bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palmitoylation: a protein S-acylation with implications for breast cancer
Authors: Anderson Alison M , Ragan Mark A
Published: October 2016

Protein S-acylation is a reversible post-translational lipid modification that involves linkage of a fatty acid chain predominantly to a cysteine amino acid via a thioester bond. The fatty acid molecule is primarily palmitate, thus the term ‘palmitoylation’ is more commonly used. Palmitoylation has been found to modulate all stages of protein function including maturational processing, trafficking, membrane anchoring, signaling range and efficacy, and degradation. In breast cancer, palmitoylation has been shown to control the function of commonly dysregulated genes including estrogen receptors, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of receptors, and cancer stem cell markers. Importantly, palmitoylation is a critical factor controlling the formation of complexes at the plasma membrane involving tetraspanins, integrins, and gene products that are key to cell–cell communication. During metastasis, cancer cells enhance their metastatic capacity by interacting with stroma and immune cells. Although aberrant palmitoylation could contribute to tumor initiation and growth, its potential role in these cell–cell interactions is of particular interest, as it may provide mechanistic insight into metastasis, including cancer cell-driven immune modulation. Compelling evidence for a role for aberrant palmitoylation in breast cancer remains to be established. To this end, in this review we summarize emerging evidence and highlight pertinent knowledge gaps, suggesting directions for future research.
(Nearly) optimal P values for all Bell inequalities
Authors: Elkouss David , Wehner Stephanie
Published: October 2016

A key objective in conducting a Bell test is to quantify the statistical evidence against a local-hidden variable model (LHVM) given that we can collect only a finite number of trials in any experiment. The notion of statistical evidence is thereby formulated in the framework of hypothesis testing, where the null hypothesis is that the experiment can be described by an LHVM. The statistical confidence with which the null hypothesis of an LHVM is rejected is quantified by the so-called P value, where a smaller P value implies higher confidence. Establishing good statistical evidence is especially challenging if the number of trials is small, or the Bell violation very low. Here, we derive the optimal P value for a large class of Bell inequalities. What is more, we obtain very sharp upper bounds on the P value for all Bell inequalities. These values are easily computed from the experimental data, and are valid even if we allow arbitrary memory in the devices. Our analysis is able to deal with imperfect random number generators, and event-ready schemes, even if such a scheme can create different kinds of entangled states. Finally, we review requirements for sound data collection, and a method for combining P values of independent experiments. The methods discussed here are not specific to Bell inequalities. For instance, they can also be applied to the study of certified randomness or to tests of noncontextuality.
Image Quality and Radiation Dose for Prospectively Triggered Coronary CT Angiography: 128-Slice Single-Source CT versus First-Generation 64-Slice Dual-Source CT
Authors: Gu Jin , Shi He-shui , Han Ping , Yu Jie , Ma Gui-na , Wu Sheng
Published: October 2016

This study sought to compare the image quality and radiation dose of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) from prospectively triggered 128-slice CT (128-MSCT) versus dual-source 64-slice CT (DSCT). The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee at Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Eighty consecutive patients with stable heart rates lower than 70 bpm were enrolled. Forty patients were scanned with 128-MSCT, and the other 40 patients were scanned with DSCT. Two radiologists independently assessed the image quality in segments (diameter >1 mm) according to a three-point scale (1: excellent; 2: moderate; 3: insufficient). The CCTA radiation dose was calculated. Eighty patients with 526 segments in the 128-MSCT group and 544 segments in the DSCT group were evaluated. The image quality 1, 2 and 3 scores were 91.6%, 6.9% and 1.5%, respectively, for the 128-MSCT group and 97.6%, 1.7% and 0.7%, respectively, for the DSCT group, and there was a statistically significant inter-group difference (P ≤ 0.001). The effective doses were 3.0 mSv in the 128-MSCT group and 4.5 mSv in the DSCT group (P ≤ 0.001). Compared with DSCT, CCTA with prospectively triggered 128-MSCT had adequate image quality and a 33.3% lower radiation dose.
Ozone and Other Air Pollutants and the Risk of Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhao Jinzhu , Yang Rong , Qian Zhengmin , Liang Shengwen , Bassig Bryan A. , Zhang Yiming , Hu Ke , Xu Shunqing , Dong Guanghui , Zheng Tongzhang , Yang Shaoping
Published: October 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether high levels of maternal exposure to O3, SO2, NO2, CO are related to increased risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in Wuhan, China. The study included mothers living in the central districts of Wuhan during pregnancy over the two-year period from June 10, 2011 to June 9, 2013. For each study participant, we assigned 1-month averages of O3, SO2, NO2 and CO exposure based on measurements obtained from the nearest exposure monitor to the living residence of mothers during their early pregnancy period. In one-pollutant model, we observed an increased risk of CHDs, ventricular septal defect (VSD), and tetralogy of fallot (TF) with increasing O3 exposure. In two-pollutant model, associations with all CHDs, VSD, and TF for O3 were generally consistent compared to the models that included only O3, with the strongest aORs observed for exposures during the third month of pregnancy. We also observed a positive association between CO exposures during the third month of pregnancy and VSD in two pollution model.Our results contribute to the small body of evidence regarding air pollution exposure and CHDs, but confirmation of these associations will be needed in future studies.
Catechin tuned magnetism of Gd-doped orthovanadate through morphology as T1-T2 MRI contrast agents
Authors: Vairapperumal Tamilmani , Saraswathy Ariya , Ramapurath Jayasree S. , Kalarical Janardhanan Sreeram , Balachandran Unni Nair
Published: October 2016

Tetragonal (t)-LaVO4 has turned out to be a potential host for luminescent materials. Synthesis of t-LaVO4 till date has been based on chelating effect of EDTA making it not ideal for bioimaging applications. An alternative was proposed by us through the use of catechin. In recent times there is interest for new MRI contrast agents that can through appropriate doping function both as MRI contrast and optical/upconversion materials. It is generally believed that under appropriate doping, t-LaVO4 would be a better upconversion material than monoclinic (m)-LaVO4. Based on these postulations, this work explores the use of gadolinium doped t-LaVO4 as an MRI contrast agent. From literature, gadolinium oxide is a good T1 contrast agent. Through this work, using catechin as a template for the synthesis of Gd doped t-LaVO4, we demonstrate the possible use as a T1 contrast agent. Interestingly, as the catechin concentration changes, morphology changes from nanorods to square nanoplates and spheres. In this process, a switch from T1 to T2 contrast agent was also observed. Under optimal concentration of catechin, with a rod shaped Gd doped t-LaVO4 an r2/r1 value of 21.30 was observed. Similarly, with a spherical shape had an r2/r1 value of 1.48 was observed.
Bumblebees minimize control challenges by combining active and passive modes in unsteady winds
Authors: Ravi Sridhar , Kolomenskiy Dmitry , Engels Thomas , Schneider Kai , Wang Chun , Sesterhenn Jörn , Liu Hao
Published: October 2016

The natural wind environment that volant insects encounter is unsteady and highly complex, posing significant flight-control and stability challenges. It is critical to understand the strategies insects employ to safely navigate in natural environments. We combined experiments on free flying bumblebees with high-fidelity numerical simulations and lower-order modeling to identify the mechanics that mediate insect flight in unsteady winds. We trained bumblebees to fly upwind towards an artificial flower in a wind tunnel under steady wind and in a von Kármán street formed in the wake of a cylinder. Analysis revealed that at lower frequencies in both steady and unsteady winds the bees mediated lateral movement with body roll - typical casting motion. Numerical simulations of a bumblebee in similar conditions permitted the separation of the passive and active components of the flight trajectories. Consequently, we derived simple mathematical models that describe these two motion components. Comparison between the free-flying live and modeled bees revealed a novel mechanism that enables bees to passively ride out high-frequency perturbations while performing active maneuvers at lower frequencies. The capacity of maintaining stability by combining passive and active modes at different timescales provides a viable means for animals and machines to tackle the challenges posed by complex airflows.
The Effect of Preparation Conditions on Raman and Photoluminescence of Monolayer WS2
Authors: McCreary Kathleen M. , Hanbicki Aubrey T. , Singh Simranjeet , Kawakami Roland K. , Jernigan Glenn G. , Ishigami Masa , Ng Amy , Brintlinger Todd H. , Stroud Rhonda M. , Jonker Berend T.
Published: October 2016

We report on preparation dependent properties observed in monolayer WS2 samples synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on a variety of common substrates (Si/SiO2, sapphire, fused silica) as well as samples that were transferred from the growth substrate onto a new substrate. The as-grown CVD materials (as-WS2) exhibit distinctly different optical properties than transferred WS2 (x-WS2). In the case of CVD growth on Si/SiO2, following transfer to fresh Si/SiO2 there is a ~50 meV shift of the ground state exciton to higher emission energy in both photoluminescence emission and optical reflection. This shift is indicative of a reduction in tensile strain by ~0.25%. Additionally, the excitonic state in x-WS2 is easily modulated between neutral and charged exciton by exposure to moderate laser power, while such optical control is absent in as-WS2 for all growth substrates investigated. Finally, we observe dramatically different laser power-dependent behavior for as-grown and transferred WS2. These results demonstrate a strong sensitivity to sample preparation that is important for both a fundamental understanding of these novel materials as well as reliable reproduction of device properties.
Genetic and pathogenic characterisation of 11 avian reovirus isolates from northern China suggests continued evolution of virulence
Authors: Zhong Li , Gao Li , Liu Yongzhen , Li Kai , Wang Miao , Qi Xiaole , Gao Yulong , Wang Xiaomei
Published: October 2016

Avian reovirus (ARV) infections characterised by severe arthritis, tenosynovitis, pericarditis, and depressed growth have become increasingly frequent in recent years. In this study, we isolated and identified 11 ARV field strains from chickens with viral arthritis and reduced growth in northern China. Comparative analysis of the σC nucleotide and amino acid sequences demonstrated that all isolates, except LN05 and JS01, were closely related to ARV S1133 and clustered in the first genetic lineage. LN05 and JS01 strains were clustered in the third lineage with the ARV 138 strain. Using S1133 as a reference, five isolates were selected to infect specific-pathogen-free chickens, and we found that the recent isolated Chinese ARV strains had higher replication ability in vivo and caused enhanced mortality than the S1133 strain. These findings suggest that the pathogenicity of Chinese ARVs has been changing in recent years and disease control may become more difficult. This study provides genetic and pathogenic characterisations of ARV strains isolated in northern China and calls for a sustained surveillance of ARV infection in China in order to support a better prevention and control of the disease.
A Novel Pathway for Metabolism of the Cardiovascular Risk Factor Homoarginine by alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase 2
Authors: Rodionov Roman N. , Oppici Elisa , Martens-Lobenhoffer Jens , Jarzebska Natalia , Brilloff Silke , Burdin Dmitrii , Demyanov Anton , Kolouschek Anne , Leiper James , Maas Renke , Cellini Barbara , Weiss Norbert , Bode-Böger Stefanie M.
Published: October 2016

Low plasma concentrations of L-homoarginine are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, while homoarginine supplementation is protective in animal models of metabolic syndrome and stroke. Catabolism of homoarginine is still poorly understood. Based on the recent findings from a Genome Wide Association Study we hypothesized that homoarginine can be metabolized by alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 (AGXT2). We purified human AGXT2 from tissues of AGXT2 transgenic mice and demonstrated its ability to metabolize homoarginine to 6-guanidino-2-oxocaproic acid (GOCA). After incubation of HepG2 cells overexpressing AGXT2 with isotope-labeled homoarginine-d4 we were able to detect labeled GOCA in the medium. We injected wild type mice with labeled homoarginine and detected labeled GOCA in the plasma. We found that AGXT2 knockout (KO) mice have higher homoarginine and lower GOCA plasma levels as compared to wild type mice, while the reverse was true for AGXT2 transgenic (Tg) mice. In summary, we experimentally proved the presence of a new pathway of homoarginine catabolism – its transamination by AGXT2 with formation of GOCA and demonstrated that endogenous AGXT2 is required for maintenance of homoarginine levels in mice. Our findings may lead to development of novel therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular pathologies associated with homoarginine deficiency.
Genome-wide diversity and gene expression profiling of Babesia microti isolates identify polymorphic genes that mediate host-pathogen interactions
Authors: Silva Joana C. , Cornillot Emmanuel , McCracken Carrie , Usmani-Brown Sahar , Dwivedi Ankit , Ifeonu Olukemi O. , Crabtree Jonathan , Gotia Hanzel T. , Virji Azan Z. , Reynes Christelle , Colinge Jacques , Kumar Vidya , Lawres Lauren , Pazzi Joseph E. , Pablo Jozelyn V. , Hung Chris , Brancato Jana , Kumari Priti , Orvis Joshua , Tretina Kyle , Chibucos Marcus , Ott Sandy , Sadzewicz Lisa , Sengamalay Naomi , Shetty Amol C. , Su Qi , Tallon Luke , Fraser Claire M. , Frutos Roger , Molina Douglas M. , Krause Peter J. , Ben Mamoun Choukri
Published: October 2016

Babesia microti, a tick-transmitted, intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite circulating mainly among small mammals, is the primary cause of human babesiosis. While most cases are transmitted by Ixodes ticks, the disease may also be transmitted through blood transfusion and perinatally. A comprehensive analysis of genome composition, genetic diversity, and gene expression profiling of seven B. microti isolates revealed that genetic variation in isolates from the Northeast United States is almost exclusively associated with genes encoding the surface proteome and secretome of the parasite. Furthermore, we found that polymorphism is restricted to a small number of genes, which are highly expressed during infection. In order to identify pathogen-encoded factors involved in host-parasite interactions, we screened a proteome array comprised of 174 B. microti proteins, including several predicted members of the parasite secretome. Using this immuno-proteomic approach we identified several novel antigens that trigger strong host immune responses during the onset of infection. The genomic and immunological data presented herein provide the first insights into the determinants of B. microti interaction with its mammalian hosts and their relevance for understanding the selective pressures acting on parasite evolution.
Inkjet-Printed Graphene/PEDOT:PSS Temperature Sensors on a Skin-Conformable Polyurethane Substrate
Authors: Vuorinen Tiina , Niittynen Juha , Kankkunen Timo , Kraft Thomas M. , Mäntysalo Matti
Published: October 2016

Epidermal electronic systems (EESs) are skin-like electronic systems, which can be used to measure several physiological parameters from the skin. This paper presents materials and a simple, straightforward fabrication process for skin-conformable inkjet-printed temperature sensors. Epidermal temperature sensors are already presented in some studies, but they are mainly fabricated using traditional photolithography processes. These traditional fabrication routes have several processing steps and they create a substantial amount of material waste. Hence utilizing printing processes, the EES may become attractive for disposable systems by decreasing the manufacturing costs and reducing the wasted materials. In this study, the sensors are fabricated with inkjet-printed graphene/PEDOT:PSS ink and the printing is done on top of a skin-conformable polyurethane plaster (adhesive bandage). Sensor characterization was conducted both in inert and ambient atmosphere and the graphene/PEDOT:PSS temperature sensors (thermistors) were able reach higher than 0.06% per degree Celsius sensitivity in an optimal environment exhibiting negative temperature dependence.
Functional diversity exhibits a diverse relationship with area, even a decreasing one
Authors: Karadimou Elpida K. , Kallimanis Athanasios S. , Tsiripidis Ioannis , Dimopoulos Panayotis
Published: October 2016

The relationship between species richness and area is one of the few well-established laws in ecology, and one might expect a similar relationship with functional diversity (FD). However, only a few studies investigate the relationship between trait-based FD and area, the Functional Diversity - Area Relationship (FDAR). To examine FDAR, we constructed the species accumulation curve and the corresponding FD curve. We used plant diversity data from nested plots (1–128 m2), recorded on the Volcanic islands of Santorini Archipelagos, Greece. Six multidimensional FD indices were calculated using 26 traits. We identified a typology of FDARs depending on the facet of FD analyzed: (A) strongly positive for indices quantifying the range of functional traits in the community, (B) negative correlation for indices quantifying the evenness in the distribution of abundance in the trait space, (C) no clear pattern for indices reflecting the functional similarity of species and (D) idiosyncratic patterns with area for functional divergence. As area increases, the range of traits observed in the community increases, but the abundance of traits does not increase proportionally and some traits become dominant, implying a reliance on some functions that may be located in either the center or the periphery of the trait space.
Exogenous glutathione improves high root-zone temperature tolerance by modulating photosynthesis, antioxidant and osmolytes systems in cucumber seedlings
Authors: Ding Xiaotao , Jiang Yuping , He Lizhong , Zhou Qiang , Yu Jizhu , Hui Dafeng , Huang Danfeng
Published: October 2016

To investigate the physiological responses of plants to high root-zone temperature (HT, 35 °C) stress mitigated by exogenous glutathione (GSH), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings were exposed to HT with or without GSH treatment for 4 days and following with 4 days of recovery. Plant physiological variables, growth, and gene expression related to antioxidant enzymes and Calvin cycle were quantified. The results showed that HT significantly decreased GSH content, the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG), chlorophyll content, photosynthesis and related gene expression, shoot height, stem diameter, as well as dry weight. The exogenous GSH treatment clearly lessened the HT stress by increasing the above variables. Meanwhile, HT significantly increased soluble protein content, proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) content as well as O2•− production rate, the gene expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes. The GSH treatment remarkably improved soluble protein content, proline content, antioxidant enzymes activities, and antioxidant enzymes related gene expression, and reduced the MDA content and O2•− production rate compared to no GSH treatment in the HT condition. Our results suggest that exogenous GSH enhances cucumber seedling tolerance of HT stress by modulating the photosynthesis, antioxidant and osmolytes systems to improve physiological adaptation.
Intramolecular hydrophobic interactions are critical mediators of STAT5 dimerization
Authors: Fahrenkamp Dirk , Li Jinyu , Ernst Sabrina , Schmitz-Van de Leur Hildegard , Chatain Nicolas , Küster Andrea , Koschmieder Steffen , Lüscher Bernhard , Rossetti Giulia , Müller-Newen Gerhard
Published: October 2016

STAT5 is an essential transcription factor in hematopoiesis, which is activated through tyrosine phosphorylation in response to cytokine stimulation. Constitutive activation of STAT5 is a hallmark of myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia. Using homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, a model of the STAT5 phosphotyrosine-SH2 domain interface was generated providing first structural information on the activated STAT5 dimer including a sequence, for which no structural information is available for any of the STAT proteins. We identified a novel intramolecular interaction mediated through F706, adjacent to the phosphotyrosine motif, and a unique hydrophobic interface on the surface of the SH2 domain. Analysis of corresponding STAT5 mutants revealed that this interaction is dispensable for Epo receptor-mediated phosphorylation of STAT5 but essential for dimer formation and subsequent nuclear accumulation. Moreover, the herein presented model clarifies molecular mechanisms of recently discovered leukemic STAT5 mutants and will help to guide future drug development.
Alterations of the Host Microbiome Affect Behavioral Responses to Cocaine
Authors: Kiraly Drew D. , Walker Deena M. , Calipari Erin S. , Labonte Benoit , Issler Orna , Pena Catherine J. , Ribeiro Efrain A. , Russo Scott J. , Nestler Eric J.
Published: October 2016

Addiction to cocaine and other psychostimulants represents a major public health crisis. The development and persistence of addictive behaviors comes from a complex interaction of genes and environment - the precise mechanisms of which remain elusive. In recent years a surge of evidence has suggested that the gut microbiome can have tremendous impact on behavioral via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. In this study we characterized the influence of the gut microbiota on cocaine-mediated behaviors. Groups of mice were treated with a prolonged course of non-absorbable antibiotics via the drinking water, which resulted in a substantial reduction of gut bacteria. Animals with reduced gut bacteria showed an enhanced sensitivity to cocaine reward and enhanced sensitivity to the locomotor-sensitizing effects of repeated cocaine administration. These behavioral changes were correlated with adaptations in multiple transcripts encoding important synaptic proteins in the brain’s reward circuitry. This study represents the first evidence that alterations in the gut microbiota affect behavioral response to drugs of abuse.
Induction of Autophagy and Apoptosis via PI3K/AKT/TOR Pathways by Azadirachtin A in Spodoptera litura Cells
Authors: Shao Xuehua , Lai Duo , Zhang Ling , Xu Hanhong
Published: October 2016

Azadirachtin is one of the most effective botanical insecticides and has been widely used in pest control. Toxicological reports show that azadirachtin can induce apoptosis in various insect cell lines. However, studies of azadirachtin-induced autophagy in cultured insect cells are lacking. This study reports that azadirachtin A significantly inhibits cell proliferation by inducing autophagic and apoptotic cell death in Spodoptera litura cultured cell line (SL-1 cell). Characteristic autophagolysosome and Atg8-PE (phosphatidylethanolamine) accumulation were observed by electron microscopy and western blotting, indicating that azadirachtin triggered autophagy in SL-1 cell. Furthermore, azadirachtin inhibited survival signaling by blocking the activation of PI3K, AKT and the down-stream target of rapamycin. Similar to the positive control of starvation, azadirachtin induced the activation of insulin receptor (InR) via a cellular feedback mechanism. In addition, the autophagy-related 5 (Atg5), a molecular switch of autophagy and apoptosis, was truncated (tAtg5) to trigger cytochrome c release into the cytoplasm under azadirachtin stress, which indicated that azadirachtin induced apoptosis through autophagy. Our findings suggest that azadirachtin primarily induced autophagy in SL-1 cell by dysregulating InR- and PI3K/AKT/TOR pathways, then stimulated apoptosis by activating tAtg5.
Microbial respiration, but not biomass, responded linearly to increasing light fraction organic matter input: Consequences for carbon sequestration
Authors: Rui Yichao , Murphy Daniel V. , Wang Xiaoli , Hoyle Frances C.
Published: October 2016

Rebuilding ‘lost’ soil carbon (C) is a priority in mitigating climate change and underpinning key soil functions that support ecosystem services. Microorganisms determine if fresh C input is converted into stable soil organic matter (SOM) or lost as CO2. Here we quantified if microbial biomass and respiration responded positively to addition of light fraction organic matter (LFOM, representing recent inputs of plant residue) in an infertile semi-arid agricultural soil. Field trial soil with different historical plant residue inputs [soil C content: control (tilled) = 9.6 t C ha−1 versus tilled + plant residue treatment (tilled + OM) = 18.0 t C ha−1] were incubated in the laboratory with a gradient of LFOM equivalent to 0 to 3.8 t C ha−1 (0 to 500% LFOM). Microbial biomass C significantly declined under increased rates of LFOM addition while microbial respiration increased linearly, leading to a decrease in the microbial C use efficiency. We hypothesise this was due to insufficient nutrients to form new microbial biomass as LFOM input increased the ratio of C to nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur of soil. Increased CO2 efflux but constrained microbial growth in response to LFOM input demonstrated the difficulty for C storage in this environment.
Sensitive detection of copper ions via ion-responsive fluorescence quenching of engineered porous silicon nanoparticles
Authors: Hwang Jangsun , Hwang Mintai P. , Choi Moonhyun , Seo Youngmin , Jo Yeonho , Son Jaewoo , Hong Jinkee , Choi Jonghoon
Published: October 2016

Heavy metal pollution has been a problem since the advent of modern transportation, which despite efforts to curb emissions, continues to play a critical role in environmental pollution. Copper ions (Cu2+), in particular, are one of the more prevalent metals that have widespread detrimental ramifications. From this perspective, a simple and inexpensive method of detecting Cu2+ at the micromolar level would be highly desirable. In this study, we use porous silicon nanoparticles (NPs), obtained via anodic etching of Si wafers, as a basis for undecylenic acid (UDA)- or acrylic acid (AA)-mediated hydrosilylation. The resulting alkyl-terminated porous silicon nanoparticles (APS NPs) have enhanced fluorescence stability and intensity, and importantly, exhibit [Cu2+]-dependent quenching of fluorescence. After determining various aqueous sensing conditions for Cu2+, we demonstrate the use of APS NPs in two separate applications – a standard well-based paper kit and a portable layer-by-layer stick kit. Collectively, we demonstrate the potential of APS NPs in sensors for the effective detection of Cu2+.
Circular RNA has_circ_0067934 is upregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and promoted proliferation
Authors: Xia Wenjia , Qiu Mantang , Chen Rui , Wang Siwei , Leng Xuechun , Wang Jie , Xu Youtao , Hu Jingwen , Dong Gaochao , Xu Prof Lin , Yin Rong
Published: October 2016

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most prevalent and deadly types of cancer worldwide especially in Eastern Asia and the prognosis of ESCC remain poor. Recent evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in multiple diseases, including cancer. In this study, we characterized a novel circRNA termed hsa_circ_0067934 in ESCC tumor tissues and cell lines. We analyzed a cohort of 51 patients and found that hsa_circ_0067934 was significantly overexpressed in ESCC tissues compared with paired adjacent normal tissues. The high expression level of hsa_circ_0067934 was associated with poor differentiation (P = 0.025), I-II T stage (P = 0.04), and I-II TNM stage (P = 0.021). The in vitro silence of hsa_circ_0067934 by siRNA inhibited the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells and blocked cell cycle progression. Cell fraction analyses and fluorescence in situ hybridization detected that hsa_circ_0067934 was mostly located in the cytoplasm. Our findings suggest that hsa_circ_0067934 is upregulated in ESCC tumor tissue. Our data suggest that hsa_circ_0067934 represents a novel potential biomarker and therapeutic target of ESCC.
F-O-G Ring Formation in Glycopeptide Antibiotic Biosynthesis is Catalysed by OxyE
Authors: Peschke Madeleine , Brieke Clara , Cryle Max J.
Published: October 2016

The glycopeptide antibiotics are peptide-based natural products with impressive antibiotic function that derives from their unique three-dimensional structure. Biosynthesis of the glycopeptide antibiotics centres of the combination of peptide synthesis, mediated by a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase, and the crosslinking of aromatic side chains of the peptide, mediated by the action of a cascade of Cytochrome P450s. Here, we report the first example of in vitro activity of OxyE, which catalyses the F-O-G ring formation reaction in teicoplanin biosynthesis. OxyE was found to only act after an initial C-O-D crosslink is installed by OxyB and to require an interaction with the unique NRPS domain from glycopeptide antibiotic – the X-domain – in order to display catalytic activity. We could demonstrate that OxyE displays limited stereoselectivity for the peptide, which mirrors the results from OxyB-catalysed turnover and is in sharp contrast to OxyA. Furthermore, we show that activity of a three-enzyme cascade (OxyB/OxyA/OxyE) in generating tricyclic glycopeptide antibiotic peptides depends upon the order of addition of the OxyA and OxyE enzymes to the reaction. This work demonstrates that complex enzymatic cascades from glycopeptide antibiotic biosynthesis can be reconstituted in vitro and provides new insights into the biosynthesis of these important antibiotics.
Neoadjuvant Therapy in Rectal Cancer - Biobanking of Preoperative Tumor Biopsies
Authors: Jo Peter , Nietert Manuel , Gusky Linda , Kitz Julia , Conradi Lena C. , Müller-Dornieden Annegret , Schüler Philipp , Wolff Hendrik A. , Rüschoff Josef , Ströbel Philipp , Grade Marian , Liersch Torsten , Beißbarth Tim , Ghadimi Michael B. , Sax Ulrich , Gaedcke Jochen
Published: October 2016

Translational research relies on high-quality biospecimens. In patients with rectal cancer treated preoperatively with radiochemotherapy tissue based analyses are challenging. To assess quality challenges we analyzed tissue samples taken over the last years in a multicenter setting. We retrospectively evaluated overall 197 patients of the CAO/ARO/AIO-94- and 04-trial with locally advanced rectal cancer that were biopsied preoperatively at the University Medical Center Goettingen as well as in 10 cooperating hospitals in Germany. The cellular content of tumor, mucosa, stroma, necrosis and the amount of isolated DNA and RNA as well as the RNA integrity number (RIN) as quality parameters were evaluated. A high RNA yield (p = 2.75e–07) and the content of tumor (p = 0.004) is significantly associated to high RIN-values, whereas a high content of mucosa (p = 0.07) shows a trend and a high amount of necrosis (p = 0.01) is significantly associated with RNA of poor quality. Correlating biopsies from Goettingen and the cooperating centers showed comparable tumor content results. By taking small sized biopsies we could assess a clear correlation between a good RNA quality and a high amount of RNA and tumor cells. These results also indicate that specimens collected at different centers are of comparable quality.
The B1 Protein Guides the Biosynthesis of a Lasso Peptide
Authors: Zhu Shaozhou , Fage Christopher D. , Hegemann Julian D. , Mielcarek Andreas , Yan Dushan , Linne Uwe , Marahiel Mohamed A.
Published: October 2016

Lasso peptides are a class of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) with a unique lariat knot-like fold that endows them with extraordinary stability and biologically relevant activity. However, the biosynthetic mechanism of these fascinating molecules remains largely speculative. Generally, two enzymes (B for processing and C for cyclization) are required to assemble the unusual knot-like structure. Several subsets of lasso peptide gene clusters feature a “split” B protein on separate open reading frames (B1 and B2), suggesting distinct functions for the B protein in lasso peptide biosynthesis. Herein, we provide new insights into the role of the RiPP recognition element (RRE) PadeB1, characterizing its capacity to bind the paeninodin leader peptide and deliver its peptide substrate to PadeB2 for processing.
Diversity of antibiotic-resistance genes in Canadian isolates of Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida: dominance of pSN254b and discovery of pAsa8
Authors: Trudel Mélanie V. , Vincent Antony T. , Attéré Sabrina A. , Labbé Myriam , Derome Nicolas , Culley Alexander I. , Charette Steve J.
Published: October 2016

The bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida is a common pathogen in fish farms worldwide. Since the antibiotic resistance of this bacterial species is on the increase, it is important to have a broader view on this issue. In the present study, we tested the presence of known plasmids conferring multi-drug resistance as well as antibiotic resistance genes by a PCR approach in 100 Canadian A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida isolates. Our study highlighted the dominance of the conjugative pSN254b plasmid, which confers multi-drug resistance. We also identified a new multi-drug plasmid named pAsa8, which has been characterized by a combination of sequencing technologies (Illumina and Oxford nanopore). This new plasmid harbors a complex class 1 integron similar to the one of the Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI1) found in Salmonella enterica and Proteus mirabilis. Consequently, in addition to providing an update on the A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida isolates that are resistant to antibiotics, our data suggest that this bacterium is potentially an important reservoir of drug resistance genes and should consequently be monitored more extensively. In addition, we describe a screening method that has the potential to become a diagnostic tool that is complementary to other methods currently in use.
Micro-nano structure hard carbon as a high performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zheng Peng , Liu Ting , Guo Shouwu
Published: October 2016

Superior first-cycle Coulomb efficiency (above 80%) is displayed by filter paper-derived micro-nano structure hard carbon, and it delivers a high reversible capacity of 286 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles as the anode for Na-ion battery at 20 mA g−1. These advantageous performance characteristics are attributed to the unique micro-nano structure, which reduced the first irreversible capacity loss by limiting the contact between the electrode and electrolyte, and enhanced the capacity by accelerating electron and Na-ion transfer through inter-connected nano-particles and nano-pores, respectively. The good electrochemical performance indicates that this low-cost hard carbon could be a promising anode for Na-ion batteries.
Nutritional Predictors of Mortality in Long Term Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Weng Cheng-Hao , Hu Ching-Chih , Yen Tzung-Hai , Hsu Ching-Wei , Huang Wen-Hung
Published: October 2016

Serum albumin had been noted to be a predictor of mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) less than 0.8 or greater than 1.4 g/kg/d was also associated with greater mortality. There was no previous study to show the effectiveness of combination of serum albumin and nPCR to predict the mortality in chronic HD patients. Eight hundred and sixty-six patients were divided into 4 groups according to their nPCR and serum albumin levels. Biochemical, and hematological parameters were recorded. The associations between groups, variables mentioned above and mortality were analyzed. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, diabetes mellitus, fistula as blood access, nPCR <1.2 g/kg/day combined with albumin <4 (Group A), nPCR ≧ 1.2 g/kg/day combined with albumin <4 g/dL (Group B) (nPCR ≧ 1.2 g/kg/day combined with Albumin ≧ 4 g/dL as reference group), non-anuria, hemoglobin, creatinine, and log (high sensitivity C reactive protein) were correlated with 36 months mortality. Group A and group B patients had higher 36 months cardiovascular (CV) and infection related mortality rates as compared with group D patients. In conclusion, Group A and Group B patients had significantly higher rate of all-cause, CV and infection related mortality.
Osterix represses adipogenesis by negatively regulating PPARγ transcriptional activity
Authors: Han Younho , Kim Chae Yul , Cheong Heesun , Lee Kwang Youl
Published: October 2016

Osterix is a novel bone-related transcription factor involved in osteoblast differentiation, and bone maturation. Because a reciprocal relationship exists between adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells, we hypothesized that Osterix might have a role in adipogenesis. Ablation of Osterix enhanced adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells, whereas overexpression suppressed this process and inhibited the expression of adipogenic markers including CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Further studies indicated that Osterix significantly decreased PPARγ-induced transcriptional activity. Using co-immunoprecipitation and GST-pull down analysis, we found that Osterix directly interacts with PPARγ. The ligand-binding domain (LBD) of PPARγ was responsible for this interaction, which was followed by repression of PPARγ-induced transcriptional activity, even in the presence of rosiglitazone. Taken together, we identified the Osterix has an important regulatory role on PPARγ activity, which contributed to the mechanism of adipogenesis.
Wavelength de-multiplexing metasurface hologram
Authors: Wang Bo , Quan Baogang , He Jingwen , Xie Zhenwei , Wang Xinke , Li Junjie , Kan Qiang , Zhang Yan
Published: October 2016

A wavelength de-multiplexing metasurface hologram composed of subwavelength metallic antennas is designed and demonstrated experimentally in the terahertz (THz) regime. Different character patterns are generated at the separated working frequencies 0.50 THz and 0.63 THz which determine a narrow frequency bandwidth of 130 GHz. The two working frequencies are around the central resonance frequency of the antennas where antennas behave strong wavefront modulation. Each antenna is fully utilized to control the wavefront of the metasurface at different frequencies by an optimization algorithm. The results demonstrate a candidate way to design multi-colors optical display elements.
Influence of age on androgen deprivation therapy-associated Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Nead Kevin T. , Gaskin Greg , Chester Cariad , Swisher-McClure Samuel , Dudley Joel T. , Leeper Nicholas J. , Shah Nigam H.
Published: October 2016

We recently found an association between androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and Alzheimer’s disease. As Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of advanced age, we hypothesize that older individuals on ADT may be at greatest risk. We conducted a retrospective multi-institutional analysis among 16,888 individuals with prostate cancer using an informatics approach. We tested the effect of ADT on Alzheimer’s disease using Kaplan–Meier age stratified analyses in a propensity score matched cohort. We found a lower cumulative probability of remaining Alzheimer’s disease-free between non-ADT users age ≥70 versus those age <70 years (p < 0.001) and between ADT versus non-ADT users ≥70 years (p = 0.034). The 5-year probability of developing Alzheimer’s disease was 2.9%, 1.9% and 0.5% among ADT users ≥70, non-ADT users ≥70 and individuals <70 years, respectively. Compared to younger individuals older men on ADT may have the greatest absolute Alzheimer’s disease risk. Future work should investigate the ADT Alzheimer’s disease association in advanced age populations given the greater potential clinical impact.
Neurotoxic kynurenine metabolism is increased in the dorsal hippocampus and drives distinct depressive behaviors during inflammation
Authors: Parrott J M , Redus L , Santana-Coelho D , Morales J , Gao X , O'Connor J C
Published: October 2016

The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism has an important role in mediating the behavioral effects of inflammation, which has implications in understanding neuropsychiatric comorbidity and for the development of novel therapies. Inhibition of the rate-limiting enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), prevents the development of many of these inflammation-induced preclinical behaviors. However, dysregulation in the balance of downstream metabolism, where neuroactive kynurenines are generated, is hypothesized to be a functionally important pathogenic feature of inflammation-induced depression. Here we utilized two novel transgenic mouse strains to directly test the hypothesis that neurotoxic kynurenine metabolism causes depressive-like behavior following peripheral immune activation. Wild-type (WT) or kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO)-deficient (KMO−/−) mice were administered either lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 mg kg−1) or saline intraperitoneally. Depressive-like behavior was measured across multiple domains 24 h after immune challenge. LPS precipitated a robust depressive-like phenotype, but KMO−/− mice were specifically protected from LPS-induced immobility in the tail suspension test (TST) and reduced spontaneous alternations in the Y-maze. Direct administration of 3-hydroxykynurenine, the metabolic product of KMO, caused a dose-dependent increase in depressive-like behaviors. Mice with targeted deletion of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid dioxygenase (HAAO), the enzyme that generates quinolinic acid, were similarly challenged with LPS. Similar to KMO−/− mice, LPS failed to increase immobility during the TST. Whereas kynurenine metabolism was generally increased in behaviorally salient brain regions, a distinct shift toward KMO-dependent kynurenine metabolism occurred in the dorsal hippocampus in response to LPS. Together, these results demonstrate that KMO is a pivotal mediator of hippocampal-dependent depressive-like behaviors induced by peripheral LPS challenge.
Chelation of Actinides
Authors: Abergel Rebecca J.
Published: October 2016

Actinides, such as uranium, plutonium, or americium, are radioactive metals with no natural biological function. However, these elements are strongly retained by most organisms and can be extremely toxic due to their radioactive and chemical properties. In the event of an accidental or ill-intentional release of nuclear material into the environment, these radionuclides pose a severe health risk as contaminants. The only practical therapy to reduce the dramatic health consequences of internal actinide contamination is treatment with chelating agents that form excretable complexes, although the actinides are among the most intractable radionuclides to decorporate. In the last few years, a sense of urgency and a renewed interest in the study of actinide chemistry and biology have emerged, as threats of nuclear terrorism have become more plausible, and the risk of environmental contamination and human exposure to radioisotopes consequently increased. This chapter discusses available methods and recent progress in the development of new strategies for the chelation of actinides.
A silica–titania sensor material prepared by cetylpyridinium chloride assisted sol–gel synthesis for solid phase spectrophotometric and visual test determination of propyl gallate in food samples
Authors: Morosanova Maria A. , Morosanova Elena I.
Published: October 2016

A silica–titania xerogel obtained by cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) assisted synthesis has been used as a new sensor material for solid phase spectrophotometric and visual test determination of propyl gallate.
Efficient electro/photocatalytic water reduction using a [NiII(N2Py3)]2+ complex
Authors: Kankanamalage Pavithra H. A. , Mazumder Shivnath , Tiwari Vishwas , Kpogo Kenneth K. , Bernhard Schlegel H. , Verani Cláudio N.
Published: October 2016

A nickel-based electro/photocatalyst acts efficiently toward water reduction with a remarkable TON of 3500. Involvement of the ligand-reduced [NiIL˙] species is proposed.
Large-scale preparation of heterometallic chalcogenide MnSb2S4monolayer nanosheets with a high visible-light photocatalytic activity for H2evolution
Authors: Lin Zheguan , Ning Shangbo , Yang Zhenya , Zhang Zizhong , Huang Shuping , Long Jinlin , Lin Huaxiang , Wang Xuxu
Published: October 2016

Monolayered 2D MnSb2S4nanosheets with a sandwich substructure of [SbS]+–[MnS2]2−–[SbS]+improve charge separation and photocatalytic H2evolution activity.
Ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed C–H functionalizations on benzoic acids with aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl halides by weak-O-coordination
Authors: Mei Ruhuai , Zhu Cuiju , Ackermann Lutz
Published: October 2016

C–H arylations of weakly coordinating benzoic acids were achieved by versatile ruthenium(ii) catalysis with ample substrate scope.
In situ X-ray photoelectron and Auger electron spectroscopic characterization of reaction mechanisms during Li-ion cycling
Authors: Tang Ching-Yen , Haasch Richard T. , Dillon Shen J.
Published: October 2016

We demonstrate a novel design for in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and in situ Auger electron spectroscopy, and we applied this technique to characterize the evolution of bonding and chemistry during cycling of nanoparticle electrodes.
First principles computational study on the adsorption mechanism of organic methyl iodide gas on triethylenediamine impregnated activated carbon
Authors: Chun Hoje , Kang Joonhee , Han Byungchan
Published: October 2016

We study the removal of gas-phase organic methyl iodide (CH3I) from an ambient environment via adsorption onto triethylenediamine (TEDA) impregnated activated carbon (AC).
CO-releasing molecule (CORM) conjugate systems
Authors: Kautz Anna Christin , Kunz Peter C. , Janiak Christoph
Published: October 2016

To try to advance CORMs toward medical applications, they are covalently bound to peptides, polymers, nanoparticles, dendrimers, and protein cages or are incorporated into non-wovens, tablets, or metal–organic frameworks.
Polystyrene sulfonate threaded in MIL-101Cr(iii) as stable and efficient acid catalysts
Authors: Kong Tengfei , Guo Guoqiang , Pan Jiageng , Gao Liang , Huo Yanping
Published: October 2016

A series of polystyrene sulfonate threaded in MIL-101Cr(iii) composites both with and without cross-linkers were synthesized.
The physicochemical properties, in vitro binding capacities and in vivo hypocholesterolemic activity of soluble dietary fiber extracted from soy hulls
Authors: Liu Chun , Lin Xiao-Lu , Wan Zhili , Zou Yuan , Cheng Fen-Fen , Yang Xiao-Quan
Published: October 2016

Soy hull soluble dietary fiber possessed favorablein vitrobinding capacities andin vivohypocholesterolemic activity.
Mapping lung tumor cell drug responses as a function of matrix context and genotype using cell microarrays
Authors: Kaylan Kerim B. , Gentile Stefan D. , Milling Lauren E. , Bhinge Kaustubh N. , Kosari Farhad , Underhill Gregory H.
Published: October 2016

A combinatorial cell microarray platform to map the impact of both extracellular matrix proteins and genotype on the drug responses of tumor cells.