bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoinhibitory sterol sulfates mediate programmed cell death in a bloom-forming marine diatom
Authors: Gallo Carmela , d’Ippolito Giuliana , Nuzzo Genoveffa , Sardo Angela , Fontana Angelo
Published: October 2017

Cell mortality is a key mechanism that shapes phytoplankton blooms and species dynamics in aquatic environments. Here we show that sterol sulfates (StS) are regulatory molecules of a cell death program in Skeletonema marinoi, a marine diatom-blooming species in temperate coastal waters. The molecules trigger an oxidative burst and production of nitric oxide in a dose-dependent manner. The intracellular level of StS increases with cell ageing and ultimately leads to a mechanism of apoptosis-like death. Disrupting StS biosynthesis by inhibition of the sulfonation step significantly delays the onset of this fatal process and maintains steady growth in algal cells for several days. The autoinhibitory activity of StS demonstrates the functional significance of small metabolites in diatoms. The StS pathway provides another view on cell regulation during bloom dynamics in marine habitats and opens new opportunities for the biochemical control of mass-cultivation of microalgae.
High-frequency recombination between members of an LTR retrotransposon family during transposition bursts
Authors: Sanchez Diego H. , Gaubert Hervé , Drost Hajk-Georg , Zabet Nicolae Radu , Paszkowski Jerzy
Published: October 2017

Retrotransposons containing long terminal repeats (LTRs) form a substantial fraction of eukaryotic genomes. The timing of past transposition can be estimated by quantifying the accumulation of mutations in initially identical LTRs. This way, retrotransposons are divided into young, potentially mobile elements, and old that moved thousands or even millions of years ago. Both types are found within a single retrotransposon family and it is assumed that the old members will remain immobile and degenerate further. Here, we provide evidence in Arabidopsis that old members enter into replication/transposition cycles through high rates of intra-family recombination. The recombination occurs pairwise, resembling the formation of recombinant retroviruses. Thus, each transposition burst generates a novel progeny population of chromosomally integrated LTR retrotransposons consisting of pairwise recombination products produced in a process comparable the sexual exchange of genetic information. Our observations provide an explanation for the reported high rates of sequence diversification in retrotransposons.
Identification of an analgesic lipopeptide produced by the probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917
Authors: Pérez-Berezo Teresa , Pujo Julien , Martin Patricia , Le Faouder Pauline , Galano Jean-Marie , Guy Alexandre , Knauf Claude , Tabet Jean Claude , Tronnet Sophie , Barreau Frederick , Heuillet Maud , Dietrich Gilles , Bertrand-Michel Justine , Durand Thierry , Oswald Eric , Cenac Nicolas
Published: October 2017

Administration of the probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) decreases visceral pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Mutation of clbA, a gene involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including colibactin, was previously shown to abrogate EcN probiotic activity. Here, we show that EcN, but not an isogenic clbA mutant, produces an analgesic lipopeptide. We characterize lipoamino acids and lipopeptides produced by EcN but not by the mutant by online liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. One of these lipopeptides, C12AsnGABAOH, is able to cross the epithelial barrier and to inhibit calcium flux induced by nociceptor activation in sensory neurons via the GABAB receptor. C12AsnGABAOH inhibits visceral hypersensitivity induced by nociceptor activation in mice. Thus, EcN produces a visceral analgesic, which could be the basis for the development of new visceral pain therapies.
Contribution of epigenetic landscapes and transcription factors to X-chromosome reactivation in the inner cell mass
Authors: Borensztein Maud , Okamoto Ikuhiro , Syx Laurène , Guilbaud Guillaume , Picard Christel , Ancelin Katia , Galupa Rafael , Diabangouaya Patricia , Servant Nicolas , Barillot Emmanuel , Surani Azim , Saitou Mitinori , Chen Chong-Jian , Anastassiadis Konstantinos , Heard Edith
Published: October 2017

X-chromosome inactivation is established during early development. In mice, transcriptional repression of the paternal X-chromosome (Xp) and enrichment in epigenetic marks such as H3K27me3 is achieved by the early blastocyst stage. X-chromosome inactivation is then reversed in the inner cell mass. The mechanisms underlying Xp reactivation remain enigmatic. Using in vivo single-cell approaches (allele-specific RNAseq, nascent RNA-fluorescent in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence), we show here that different genes are reactivated at different stages, with more slowly reactivated genes tending to be enriched in H3meK27. We further show that in UTX H3K27 histone demethylase mutant embryos, these genes are even more slowly reactivated, suggesting that these genes carry an epigenetic memory that may be actively lost. On the other hand, expression of rapidly reactivated genes may be driven by transcription factors. Thus, some X-linked genes have minimal epigenetic memory in the inner cell mass, whereas others may require active erasure of chromatin marks.
piRNAs and Aubergine cooperate with Wispy poly(A) polymerase to stabilize mRNAs in the germ plasm
Authors: Dufourt Jérémy , Bontonou Gwénaëlle , Chartier Aymeric , Jahan Camille , Meunier Anne-Cécile , Pierson Stéphanie , Harrison Paul F. , Papin Catherine , Beilharz Traude H. , Simonelig Martine
Published: October 2017

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and PIWI proteins play a crucial role in germ cells by repressing transposable elements and regulating gene expression. In Drosophila, maternal piRNAs are loaded into the embryo mostly bound to the PIWI protein Aubergine (Aub). Aub targets maternal mRNAs through incomplete base-pairing with piRNAs and can induce their destabilization in the somatic part of the embryo. Paradoxically, these Aub-dependent unstable mRNAs encode germ cell determinants that are selectively stabilized in the germ plasm. Here we show that piRNAs and Aub actively protect germ cell mRNAs in the germ plasm. Aub directly interacts with the germline-specific poly(A) polymerase Wispy, thus leading to mRNA polyadenylation and stabilization in the germ plasm. These results reveal a role for piRNAs in mRNA stabilization and identify Aub as an interactor of Wispy for mRNA polyadenylation. They further highlight the role of Aub and piRNAs in embryonic patterning through two opposite functions.
Stochastic palmitoylation of accessible cysteines in membrane proteins revealed by native mass spectrometry
Authors: Rodenburg Remco N. P. , Snijder Joost , van de Waterbeemd Michiel , Schouten Arie , Granneman Joke , Heck Albert J. R. , Gros Piet
Published: October 2017

Palmitoylation affects membrane partitioning, trafficking and activities of membrane proteins. However, how specificity of palmitoylation and multiple palmitoylations in membrane proteins are determined is not well understood. Here, we profile palmitoylation states of three human claudins, human CD20 and cysteine-engineered prokaryotic KcsA and bacteriorhodopsin by native mass spectrometry. Cysteine scanning of claudin-3, KcsA, and bacteriorhodopsin shows that palmitoylation is independent of a sequence motif. Palmitoylations are observed for cysteines exposed on the protein surface and situated up to 8 Å into the inner leaflet of the membrane. Palmitoylation on multiple sites in claudin-3 and CD20 occurs stochastically, giving rise to a distribution of palmitoylated membrane-protein isoforms. Non-native sites in claudin-3 indicate that membrane-protein function imposed evolutionary restraints on native palmitoylation sites. These results suggest a generic, stochastic membrane-protein palmitoylation process that is determined by the accessibility of palmitoyl-acyl transferases to cysteines on membrane-embedded proteins, and not by a preferred substrate-sequence motif.
Hall voltage drives pulsing counter-currents of the sliding charge density wave and of quantized normal carriers at self-filled Landau levels
Authors: Orlov Andrey P. , Sinchenko Aleksander A. , Monceau Pierre , Brazovskii Serguei , Latyshev Yuri I.
Published: October 2017

Remnant pockets of carriers left over after formation of a charge density wave (CDW) were brought, by virtue of transverse electric and magnetic fields, to a current-carrying state at quantized Landau Levels. The generated Hall voltage polarizes and puts to sliding the flexible CDW background. The screening from the CDW allows for a so strong redistribution of normal electrons density under the action of the Lorentz force alone, that an integer filling of the lowest Landau level might be reached at one edge at the expense of the full depletion at another edge of the Hall bar. With the Hall field exceeding the sliding threshold, the regime of exactly compensated collective and normal counter-currents develops in the open-circuit direction across the bar. The annihilation of the two currents proceeds via a regular sequence of phase slips which are the space-time vortices of the CDW phase around the enforced amplitude nodes. The resulting spontaneous generation of coherent high (~GHz) frequency signals was detected by observations of multiple Shapiro steps. This picture results from studies of micron-sized Hall bars in crystals of NbSe3 prepared by means of focused ion beams. The interpretation is confirmed and illustrated by a numerical solution of the derived equations. The depinning pulse propagates from edges to the bulk and the sliding sets in, accompanied by the generation of periodic phase slips near the Hall bar edge where the CDW phase is advanced in steps of 2π at expense of the CDW amplitude passing through zero.
Newcastle disease virus-based H5 influenza vaccine protects chickens from lethal challenge with a highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza virus
Authors: Ma Jingjiao , Lee Jinhwa , Liu Haixia , Mena Ignacio , Davis A. Sally , Sunwoo Sun Young , Lang Yuekun , Duff Michael , Morozov Igor , Li Yuhao , Yang Jianmei , García-Sastre Adolfo , Richt Juergen A. , Ma Wenjun
Published: October 2017

Since December 2014, Eurasian-origin, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses including H5N1, H5N2, and H5N8 subtypes (called H5Nx viruses), which belong to the H5 clade 2.3.4.4, have been detected in U.S. wild birds. Subsequently, highly pathogenic H5N2 and H5N8 viruses have caused outbreaks in U.S. domestic poultry. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to control influenza outbreaks and protect animal and public health. Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-based influenza vaccines have been demonstrated to be efficacious and safe in poultry. Herein, we developed an NDV-based H5 vaccine (NDV-H5) that expresses a codon-optimized ectodomain of the hemagglutinin from the A/chicken/Iowa/04-20/2015 (H5N2) virus and evaluated its efficacy in chickens. Results showed that both live and inactivated NDV-H5 vaccines induced hemagglutinin inhibition antibody titers against the H5N2 virus in immunized chickens after prime and booster, and both NDV-H5 vaccines completely protected chickens from lethal challenge with the highly pathogenic H5N2 A/turkey/Minnesota/9845-4/2015 virus. No clinical signs and only minimal virus shedding was observed in both vaccinated groups. In contrast, all mock-vaccinated, H5N2-infected chickens shed virus and died within 5 days post challenge. Furthermore, one dose of the live NDV-H5 vaccine also provided protection of 90% chickens immunized by coarse spraying; after exposure to H5N2 challenge, sera from vaccinated surviving chickens neutralized both highly pathogenic H5N1 and H5N8 viruses. Taken together, our results suggest that the NDV-based H5 vaccine is able to protect chickens against intercontinental highly pathogenic H5Nx viruses and can be used by mass application to protect the poultry industry.
In human non-REM sleep, more slow-wave activity leads to less blood flow in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Tüshaus Laura , Omlin Ximena , Tuura Ruth O’Gorman , Federspiel Andrea , Luechinger Roger , Staempfli Philipp , Koenig Thomas , Achermann Peter
Published: October 2017

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is related to integrated neuronal activity of the brain whereas EEG provides a more direct measurement of transient neuronal activity. Therefore, we addressed what happens in the brain during sleep, combining CBF and EEG recordings. The dynamic relationship of CBF with slow-wave activity (SWA; EEG sleep intensity marker) corroborated vigilance state specific (i.e., wake, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages N1-N3, wake after sleep) differences of CBF e.g. in the posterior cingulate, basal ganglia, and thalamus, indicating their role in sleep-wake regulation and/or sleep processes. These newly observed dynamic correlations of CBF with SWA – namely a temporal relationship during continuous NREM sleep in individuals – additionally implicate an impact of sleep intensity on the brain’s metabolism. Furthermore, we propose that some of the aforementioned brain areas that also have been shown to be affected in disorders of consciousness might therefore contribute to the emergence of consciousness.
In vitro selections of mammaglobin A and mammaglobin B aptamers for the recognition of circulating breast tumor cells
Authors: Hassan Eman M. , Willmore William G. , McKay Bruce C. , DeRosa Maria C.
Published: October 2017

Mammaglobin B (MGB2) and mammaglobin A (MGB1) are proteins expressed in metastatic breast cancers. The early detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in breast cancer patients is crucial to decrease mortality rate. Herein, novel aptamers were successfully selected and characterized against MGB2 and MGB1 proteins using a hybrid SELEX approach. The potential use of the selected aptamers in breast CTC detection was studied using spiked breast cancer cells in whole blood lysate. The results obtained from this study showed that the selected aptamers (MAMB1 and MAMA2) bind to their target breast cancer cell lines with high affinity (low nanomolar Kd values) and specificity. They also bind to their free recombinant target proteins and show minimal non-specific binding to normal and other cancer cell lines. Additionally, they were able to distinguish a low number of breast cancer cells spiked in whole blood lysate containing normal blood cells. The results obtained in this study indicate the great potential for the use of aptamers to detect MGB1 and MGB2 protein biomarkers, expressed on the surface of breast CTCs.
Enhanced Arctic Amplification Began at the Mid-Brunhes Event ~400,000 years ago
Authors: Cronin T. M. , Dwyer G. S. , Caverly E. K. , Farmer J. , DeNinno L. H. , Rodriguez-Lazaro J. , Gemery L.
Published: October 2017

Arctic Ocean temperatures influence ecosystems, sea ice, species diversity, biogeochemical cycling, seafloor methane stability, deep-sea circulation, and CO2 cycling. Today’s Arctic Ocean and surrounding regions are undergoing climatic changes often attributed to “Arctic amplification” – that is, amplified warming in Arctic regions due to sea-ice loss and other processes, relative to global mean temperature. However, the long-term evolution of Arctic amplification is poorly constrained due to lack of continuous sediment proxy records of Arctic Ocean temperature, sea ice cover and circulation. Here we present reconstructions of Arctic Ocean intermediate depth water (AIW) temperatures and sea-ice cover spanning the last ~ 1.5 million years (Ma) of orbitally-paced glacial/interglacial cycles (GIC). Using Mg/Ca paleothermometry of the ostracode Krithe and sea-ice planktic and benthic indicator species, we suggest that the Mid-Brunhes Event (MBE), a major climate transition ~ 400–350 ka, involved fundamental changes in AIW temperature and sea-ice variability. Enhanced Arctic amplification at the MBE suggests a major climate threshold was reached at ~ 400 ka involving Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), inflowing warm Atlantic Layer water, ice sheet, sea-ice and ice-shelf feedbacks, and sensitivity to higher post-MBE interglacial CO2 concentrations.
A comparison of the main outcomes from BP-BES and DP-DES at five years of follow-up: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Pan , Lu Shuai , Li Yuanyuan , Deng Mengmeng , Wang Zhaohui , Mao Xiaobo
Published: October 2017

Biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents (BP-BES) are third-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) composed of biodegradable polymers that may improve prognosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). After five years of follow-up, BP-BES showed conflicting results compared to durable polymer drug-eluting stents (DP-DES). We performed a meta-analysis of the outcomes of studies on BP-BES and DP-DES after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at five years of follow-up. Eligible studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library and reported the results of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR) and stent thrombosis (ST) at five years of follow-up. Five studies of a total of 4687 patients were included in the meta-analysis. At five years of follow-up, BP-BES was associated with lower rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (OR = 0.83, 95%CI = [0.71, 0.97]), TLR (OR = 0.77, 95%CI = [0.62, 0.96]) and ST (OR = 0.60, 95%CI = [0.43 to 0.84]), whereas no significant differences in mortality, MI, or TVR rates were detected. Our results demonstrated that at five years of follow-up, BP-BES can significantly reduce the risk of MACE, TLR and ST, which indicate that safety and efficacy were increased after PCI.
Utf1 contributes to intergenerational epigenetic inheritance of pluripotency
Authors: Bao Qiuye , Morshedi Amir , Wang Fulu , Bhargy Sharma , Pervushin Konstantin , Yu Wei-Ping , Dröge Peter
Published: October 2017

Undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (Utf1) is expressed in pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and primordial germ cells (PGCs). Utf1 expression is directly controlled by pluripotency factors Oct4 and Sox2, which form a ternary complex with the Utf1 enhancer. The Utf1 protein plays a role in chromatin organization and epigenetic control of bivalent gene expression in ESCs in vitro, where it promotes effective cell differentiation during exit from pluripotency. The function of Utf1 in PGCs in vivo, however, is not known. Here, we report that proper development of Utf1 null embryos almost entirely depends on the presence of functional Utf1 alleles in the parental germline. This indicates that Utf1’s proposed epigenetic role in ESC pluripotency in vitro may be linked to intergenerational epigenetic inheritance in vivo. One component - or at least facilitator - of the relevant epigenetic mark appears to be Utf1 itself, since Utf1-driven tomato reporter and Utf1 are detected in mature germ cells. We also provide initial evidence for a reduced adult testis size in Utf1 null mice. Our findings thus point at unexpected functional links between the core ESC pluripotency factor network and epigenetic inheritance of pluripotency.
Trapping and manipulation of nanoparticles using multifocal optical vortex metalens
Authors: Ma Yanbao , Rui Guanghao , Gu Bing , Cui Yiping
Published: October 2017

Optical trapping and manipulation have emerged as a powerful tool in the biological and physical sciences. In this work, we present a miniature optical tweezers device based on multifocal optical vortex metalens (MOVM). The MOVM is capable of generating multiple focal fields with specific orbital angular momentum at arbitrary position. The optical force of the vortex field exerted on both high-refractive-index particle and low-refractive-index particle are analyzed. The simulation results show that the two kinds of dielectric particles can be trapped simultaneously. Besides, it is also feasible to manipulate plasmonic nanoparticles even under the resonant condition, which is realized by constructing a 4Pi focusing system with metalenses. Moreover, the metalens can be made into an array format that is suitable for trapping and manipulating various nanoparticles with diverse motion behaviors. The work illustrates the potential of such optical tweezers for further development in lab-on-a-chip devices, and may open up new avenues for optical manipulation and their applications in extensive scientific fields.
Transforming Growth Factor-beta Regulation of Ephrin Type-A Receptor 4 Signaling in Breast Cancer Cellular Migration
Authors: Hachim Ibrahim Y. , Villatoro Manuel , Canaff Lucie , Hachim Mahmood Y. , Boudreault Julien , Haiub Halema , Ali Suhad , Lebrun Jean-Jacques
Published: October 2017

Breast cancer consists of a range of tumor subtypes with different clinical characteristics, disease prognosis, and treatment-response. Luminal breast cancer has the best prognosis while basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) represents the worst subtype. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) plays a prominent role in stimulating the migration and invasion of malignant breast cancer cells contributing to tumor progression. In this study, we identified the Ephrin type-A receptor 4 (EPHA4) as a novel target of TGFβ in breast cancer. Moreover, we show that TGFβ induction of EPHA4 gene expression is specific to basal-like tumors and is required for TGFβ-mediated cell migration. We further addressed the mechanism and found EPHA4 to be required for TGFβ-mediated cell migration in breast cancer through TGFβ-induced short term and long term activation of RhoGTPases. Finally, our data revealed a strong association between high EPHA4 expression and advanced tumor stage, aggressive BLBC molecular subtype and poor prognosis. Importantly, we found significant co-expression of EPHA4 and the TGFβ receptor type-2 (TGFβR2) in breast cancer subtypes associated with increased tumor relapse and drug resistance. Together, this study highlight the important role of the TGFβ/EPHA4 signaling axis in mediating tumor aggressiveness and poor patient survival in human breast cancer.
In Vivo Multimodal Imaging of Drusenoid Lesions in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Yiu Glenn , Tieu Eric , Munevar Christian , Wong Brittany , Cunefare David , Farsiu Sina , Garzel Laura , Roberts Jeffrey , Thomasy Sara M.
Published: October 2017

Nonhuman primates are the only mammals to possess a true macula similar to humans, and spontaneously develop drusenoid lesions which are hallmarks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Prior studies demonstrated similarities between human and nonhuman primate drusen based on clinical appearance and histopathology. Here, we employed fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and infrared reflectance (IR) to characterize drusenoid lesions in aged rhesus macaques. Of 65 animals evaluated, we identified lesions in 20 animals (30.7%). Using the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) grading system and multimodal imaging, we identified two distinct drusen phenotypes – 1) soft drusen that are larger and appear as hyperreflective deposits between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch’s membrane on SD-OCT, and 2) hard, punctate lesions that are smaller and undetectable on SD-OCT. Both exhibit variable FAF intensities and are poorly visualized on IR. Eyes with drusen exhibited a slightly thicker RPE compared with control eyes (+3.4 μm, P=0.012). Genetic polymorphisms associated with drusenoid lesions in rhesus monkeys in ARMS2 and HTRA1 were similar in frequency between the two phenotypes. These results refine our understanding of drusen development, and provide insight into the absence of advanced AMD in nonhuman primates.
A novel miRNA analysis framework to analyze differential biological networks
Authors: Bansal Ankush , Singh Tiratha Raj , Chauhan Rajinder Singh
Published: October 2017

For understanding complex biological systems, a systems biology approach, involving both the top-down and bottom-up analyses, is often required. Numerous system components and their connections are best characterised as networks, which are primarily represented as graphs, with several nodes connected at multiple edges. Inefficient network visualisation is a common problem related to transcriptomic and genomic datasets. In this article, we demonstrate an miRNA analysis framework with the help of Jatropha curcas healthy and disease transcriptome datasets, functioning as a pipeline derived from the graph theory universe, and discuss how the network theory, along with gene ontology (GO) analysis, can be used to infer biological properties and other important features of a network. Network profiling, combined with GO, correlation, and co-expression analyses, can aid in efficiently understanding the biological significance of pathways, networks, as well as a studied system. The proposed framework may help experimental and computational biologists to analyse their own data and infer meaningful biological information.
Biomineral Nano-Theranostic agent for Magnetic Resonance Image Guided, Augmented Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumor
Authors: Ashokan Anusha , Somasundaram Vijay Harish , Gowd Genekehal Siddaramana , Anna Ida M. , Malarvizhi Giridharan L. , Sridharan Badrinathan , Jobanputra Rupal B. , Peethambaran Reshmi , Unni A. K. K. , Nair Shantikumar , Koyakutty Manzoor
Published: October 2017

Theranostic nanoparticles based on biocompatible mineral compositions can significantly improve the translational potential of image guided cancer nano-therapy. Here, we report development of a single-phase calcium phosphate biomineral nanoparticle (nCP) with dual-mode magnetic resonance contrast (T1-T2) together with radiofrequency (RF) mediated thermal response suitable for image-guided RF ablation of cancer. The nanoparticles (NP) are engineered to provide dual MR contrast by an optimized doping concentration (4.1 at%) of paramagnetic ion, Fe3+, which also renders lossy dielectric character for nCP leading to thermal response under RF exposure. In vivo compatibility and dual-mode MR contrast are demonstrated in healthy rat models. MRI and T2 mapping suggest hepatobiliary clearance by ~96 hours. MRI guided intratumoral injection in subcutaneous rat glioma and orthotopic liver tumor models provide clear visualization of NP in MRI which also helps in quantifying NP distribution within tumor. Furthermore, by utilising RF mediated thermal response, NP treated tumor could be ablated using clinically approved RF ablation system (10 W,13.3 GHz). Real-time in vivo thermal imaging exhibits 119 ± 10% increase in temperature change (ΔT) for NP treated orthotopic liver tumor (ΔT = 51.5 ± 2 °C), compared to untreated healthy liver control (ΔT = 21.5 ± 2 °C). In effect, we demonstrate a promising nano-biomineral theranostic agent for dual-mode MRI combined with radiofrequency ablation of solid tumors.
Clock gene is associated with individual variation in the activation of reproductive endocrine and behavior of Asian short toed lark
Authors: Zhang Shuping , Xu Xianglong , Wang Weiwei , Yang Wenyu , Liang Wei
Published: October 2017

Within year individual variation in the timing of seasonal reproduction within wild bird populations in highly seasonal environments can be pronounced, but the molecular and physiological mechanisms responsible for this variation are unclear. We investigated the relationship betweenClockgene poly-Q length, activation of the HPG endocrine axis, and the timing of breeding behavior, in a wild population of the Asian short-toed lark (Calandrella cheleensis) in Inner Mongolia, China. Six variants ofClockgene poly-Q alleles were identified in this population.Clockpoly-Q mean allele length was positively correlated with the mean peak date deviation of individual birds. The shorter an individual’sClockpoly-Q mean allele length, the earlier its plasma LH, T and E2 values peaked. MeanClockpoly-Q allele length of nestlings in the same nest were positively correlated with the standardized laying date of the first egg in that nest. These results suggest that theClockgene influences the reproductive timing of birds through its effect on the HPG endocrine axis, and that individual variation in the timing of reproduction may have a genetic basis.
Radiocarbon analysis reveals expanded diet breadth associates with the invasion of a predatory ant
Authors: Suehiro Wataru , Hyodo Fujio , Tanaka Hiroshi O. , Himuro Chihiro , Yokoi Tomoyuki , Dobata Shigeto , Guénard Benoit , Dunn Robert R. , Vargo Edward L. , Tsuji Kazuki , Matsuura Kenji
Published: October 2017

Invasions are ecologically destructive and can threaten biodiversity. Trophic flexibility has been proposed as a mechanism facilitating invasion, with more flexible species better able to invade. The termite hunting needle ant Brachyponera chinensis was introduced from East Asia to the United States where it disrupts native ecosystems. We show that B. chinensis has expanded dietary breadth without shifting trophic position in its introduced range. Transect sampling of ants and termites revealed a negative correlation between the abundance of B. chinensis and the abundance of other ants in introduced populations, but this pattern was not as strong in the native range. Both termite and B. chinensis abundance were higher in the introduced range than in native range. Radiocarbon (14C) analysis revealed that B. chinensis has significantly younger ‘diet age’, the time lag between carbon fixation by photosynthesis and its use by the consumer, in the introduced range than in the native range, while stable isotope analyses showed no change. These results suggest that in the introduced range B. chinensis remains a termite predator but also feeds on other consumer invertebrates with younger diet ages such as herbivorous insects. Radiocarbon analysis allowed us to elucidate cryptic dietary change associated with invasion success.
MicroRNA-27a regulates hepatic lipid metabolism and alleviates NAFLD via repressing FAS and SCD1
Authors: Zhang Meiyuan , Sun Weilan , Zhou Minghao , Tang Yan
Published: October 2017

MicroRNAs are implicated as crucial mediators in metabolic diseases including obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Here, we show miR-27a attenuated hepatic de novo lipogenesis and alleviated obesity-initiated NAFLD through inhibiting Fasn and Scd1 in liver. Hepatic levels of miR-27a were significantly augmented in HFD-fed and ob/ob mice. Further studies demonstrated that miR-27a directly interacted with 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of hepatic Fasn and Scd1 mRNAs and reduced their expression levels in mice. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of miR-27a robustly blocked sodium oleate-induced triglyceride (TG) accumulation in mouse primary hepatocytes and reduced liver TG contents in mice via repressing hepatic lipogenesis. Furthermore, ectopic expression of hepatic miR-27a impaired lipid contents of livers and attenuated NAFLD development through suppressing lipogenesis in HCD-fed and ob/ob mice. Together, our results reveal a critical role of miR-27a in lipid homeostasis of liver and pathogenesis of NAFLD.
A high-throughput model for investigating neuronal function and synaptic transmission in cultured neuronal networks
Authors: Virdee Jasmeet K. , Saro Gabriella , Fouillet Antoine , Findlay Jeremy , Ferreira Filipa , Eversden Sarah , O’Neill Michael J. , Wolak Joanna , Ursu Daniel
Published: October 2017

Loss of synapses or alteration of synaptic activity is associated with cognitive impairment observed in a number of psychiatric and neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore successful development of in vitro methods that can investigate synaptic function in a high-throughput format could be highly impactful for neuroscience drug discovery. We present here the development, characterisation and validation of a novel high-throughput in vitro model for assessing neuronal function and synaptic transmission in primary rodent neurons. The novelty of our approach resides in the combination of the electrical field stimulation (EFS) with data acquisition in spatially separated areas of an interconnected neuronal network. We integrated our methodology with state of the art drug discovery instrumentation (FLIPR Tetra) and used selective tool compounds to perform a systematic pharmacological validation of the model. We investigated pharmacological modulators targeting pre- and post-synaptic receptors (AMPA, NMDA, GABA-A, mGluR2/3 receptors and Nav, Cav voltage-gated ion channels) and demonstrated the ability of our model to discriminate and measure synaptic transmission in cultured neuronal networks. Application of the model described here as an unbiased phenotypic screening approach will help with our long term goals of discovering novel therapeutic strategies for treating neurological disorders.
Gut dysbiosis and impairment of immune system homeostasis in perinatally-exposed mice to Bisphenol A precede obese phenotype development
Authors: Malaisé Yann , Menard Sandrine , Cartier Christel , Gaultier Eric , Lasserre Frédéric , Lencina Corinne , Harkat Cherryl , Geoffre Nancy , Lakhal Laïla , Castan Isabelle , Olier Maïwenn , Houdeau Eric , Guzylack-Piriou Laurence
Published: October 2017

Epidemiology evidenced the Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in daily consumer products, as an environmental contributor to obesity and type II diabetes (T2D) in Humans. However, the BPA-mediated effects supporting these metabolic disorders are still unknown. Knowing that obesity and T2D are associated with low-grade inflammation and gut dysbiosis, we performed a longitudinal study in mice to determine the sequential adverse effects of BPA on immune system and intestinal microbiota that could contribute to the development of metabolic disorders. We observed that perinatal exposure to BPA (50 µg/kg body weight/day) induced intestinal and systemic immune imbalances at PND45, through a decrease of Th1/Th17 cell frequencies in the lamina propria concomitant to an increase of splenic Th1/Th17 immune responses. These early effects are associated with an altered glucose sensitivity, a defect of IgA secretion into faeces and a fall of faecal bifidobacteria relative to control mice. Such BPA-mediated events precede infiltration of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages in gonadal white adipose tissue appearing with ageing, together with a decreased insulin sensitivity and an increased weight gain. Our findings provide a better understanding of the sequential events provoked by perinatal exposure to BPA that could support metabolic disorder development in later life.
Identification of a peptide-peptide binding motif in the coating of nab-paclitaxel nanoparticles with clinical antibodies: bevacizumab, rituximab, and trastuzumab
Authors: Butterfield John T. , Kim Hidong , Knauer Daniel J. , Nevala Wendy K. , Markovic Svetomir N.
Published: October 2017

Antibody directed chemotherapy (ADC) takes advantage of the selectivity of the monoclonal antibody to increase the efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agent, while reducing toxicity. Previously we described three nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) nanoparticles coated with commercial monoclonal antibodies. Identifying the binding sites responsible for these particles could allow reverse engineering of nab-paclitaxel binding antibodies, creating a modular platform for antibody directed chemotherapeutic nanoparticles. Herein, Biacore surface plasmon resonance is used to identify an antibody binding site, HSA Peptide 40, on human serum albumin with nanomolar affinity for all three monoclonal antibodies. This 18-mer peptide, which lies in Subdomain IIIA of human serum albumin, blocks binding of all three antibodies to nab-paclitaxel when added in excess. We furthermore show the complementary binding region on all three monoclonal antibodies to be the CDR H3 loop of the Fab region, and show that they all have nano to micromolar affinity for HSA Peptide 40 and nab-paclitaxel nanoparticles. The presented data identify the nature of the critical protein-protein interaction that enables antibody coating of nab-paclitaxel.
Chemometric approaches to low-content quantification (LCQ) in solid-state mixtures using Raman mapping spectroscopy
Authors: Li Boyan , Casamayou-Boucau Yannick , Calvet Amandine , Ryder Alan G.
Published: October 2017

The low-content quantification (LCQ) of active pharmaceutical ingredients or impurities in solid mixtures is important in pharmaceutical manufacturing and analysis.
Combined headspace single-drop microextraction and solid-phase microextraction for the determination of phenols as their methyl ethers by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Jain Archana , Soni Soumitra , Reddy-Noone Kishan , Pillai Aradhana K. K. V. , Verma Krishna K.
Published: October 2017

A combination of headspace large volume single drop extraction and solid phase microextraction permitted attainment of high sensitivity by transferring an overall large mass of analytes into a gas chromatograph.
De-assembly of assembled Pt1Ag12 units: tailoring the photoluminescence of atomically precise nanoclusters
Authors: Kang Xi , Xiong Lin , Wang Shuxin , Pei Yong , Zhu Manzhou
Published: October 2017

De-assembly of assembled Pt1Ag12-units renders a blue-shift of the photoluminescent emission as well as an enhancement of the quantum yield.
Near infrared photoluminescence modulation by defect site design using aryl isomers in locally functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Shiraki Tomohiro , Uchimura Shunsuke , Shiraishi Tomonari , Onitsuka Hisashi , Nakashima Naotoshi
Published: October 2017

Unexpected near infrared photoluminescence of locally-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes upon introducing isomeric structures in the defect sites is reported.
A mechanically strong and tough anion exchange membrane engineered with non-covalent modalities
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Wang Ping , Sun Yiyan , Wang Jinlei , Fang Huagao , Yang Shanzhong , Wei Haibing , Ding Yunsheng
Published: October 2017

A mechanically robust and tough anion exchange membrane was constructed using the strategy of supramolecular modalities.
Facet-selective interface design of a BiOI(110)/Br-Bi2O2CO3(110) p–n heterojunction photocatalyst
Authors: Peng Yin , Liu Ting , Xu Jian , Wang Ke Ke , Mao Yan Ge
Published: October 2017

A BiOI(110)/Br-BOC(110) p–n heterostructure photocatalyst with a high interface quality was designed and synthesized by facet-dependent selective adsorption.
Pre-design and synthesis of a five-fold interpenetrated pcu-type porous coordination polymer and its CO2/CO separation
Authors: Cao Haifei , Wang Suna , Wang Yang , Lyu HongLiang , Krishna Rajamani , Lu Zhiyong , Duan Jingui , Jin Wanqin
Published: October 2017

The first five-fold interpenetrated PCP with pcu topology and high porosity was rationally designed and prepared, which showed high separation potential of CO2/CO mixtures.
Structure and stability of small lithium-chloride LinClm(0,1+) (n ≥ m, n = 1–6, m = 1–3) clusters
Authors: Milovanović Milan , Veličković Suzana , Veljković Filip , Jerosimić Stanka
Published: October 2017

Detailed theoretical investigations along with the experimental observations of new small chlorine-doped lithium clusters are presented.
Synchrotron radiation in situ X-ray absorption fine structure and in situ X-ray diffraction analysis of a high-performance cobalt catalyst towards the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Qin Haiying , Lin Longxia , Jia Junkang , Ni Huangliang , He Yan , Wang Juan , Li Aiguo , Ji Zhenguo , Liu Jiabin
Published: October 2017

The evolution of metallic Co to Co(OH)2 and then to CoOOH during the ORR was revealed by in situ XRD combined with in situ XAFS tests.
The critical role of dimer formation in monosaccharides binding to human serum albumin
Authors: Pongprayoon Prapasiri , Mori Toshifumi
Published: October 2017

Monosaccharides are found to bind tightly to human serum albumin when a dimeric structure is formed in the binding pocket.
Vibrational states of nano-confined water molecules in beryl investigated by first-principles calculations and optical experiments
Authors: Belyanchikov M. A. , Zhukova E. S. , Tretiak S. , Zhugayevych A. , Dressel M. , Uhlig F. , Smiatek J. , Fyta M. , Thomas V. G. , Gorshunov B. P.
Published: October 2017

Using the DFT approach and optical spectroscopy, we provide a comprehensive analysis of IR excitation of water molecules confined in beryl nanopores.
Resonance Raman and IR spectroscopy of aligned carbon nanotube arrays with extremely narrow diameters prepared with molecular catalysts on steel substrates
Authors: Jain Sagar Motilal , Cesano Federico , Scarano Domenica , Edvinsson Tomas
Published: October 2017

Resonance and IR spectroscopy of carbon nanotubes with extremely narrow diameters grown directly on steel grids using a molecular catalyst.
Cobalt and cobalt carbide on alumina/NiAl(110) as model catalysts
Authors: Zhang Tianfu , Wu Jingsong , Xu Yuqun , Wang Xiaoping , Ni Jun , Li Yongwang , Niemantsverdriet J. W. (Hans)
Published: October 2017

Homogeneously dispersed Co nanoparticles on alumina/NiAl(110) exhibit good thermal stability and serve as suitable model catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis.
Effect on orthometallation of NHC palladium complexes toward the catalytic activity studies in Suzuki coupling reaction
Authors: Chen Ming-Tsz , Kao Zing-Lun
Published: October 2017

Herein, we report an approach to improve catalytic activity for cross-coupling reactions.
Amidoboranes of rubidium and caesium: the last missing members of the alkali metal amidoborane family
Authors: Owarzany Rafał , Jaroń Tomasz , Leszczyński Piotr J. , Fijalkowski Karol J. , Grochala Wojciech
Published: October 2017

The nature of temperature-induced phase transitions of rubidium and caesium amidoboranes was elucidated using structural and spectroscopic methods.
Crystal structure and chemical bonding in the mixed anion compound BaSF
Authors: Driss D. , Cadars S. , Deniard P. , Mevellec J.-Y. , Corraze B. , Janod E. , Cario L.
Published: October 2017

BaSF: a textbook example of a layered mixed anion compound containing sulfur pairs (S2)2−.
Optical backbone-sidechain charge transfer transitions in proteins sensitive to secondary structure and modifications
Authors: Mandal I. , Paul S. , Venkatramani R.
Published: October 2017

We report the UV-vis absorption originating from protein backbone-sidechain charge transfer transitions in charged amino acids with anionic and cationic sidechains.
The reactions of dimethyl carbonate and its derivatives
Authors: Tundo P. , Musolino M. , Aricò F.
Published: October 2017

The worldwide urge to embrace a sustainable and bio-compatible chemistry has led industry and academia to develop chlorine-free methodologies focused on the use of CO2-based compounds, such as dimethyl carbonate, as feedstocks, promoters and reaction media.
A practical synthesis of 2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzothiazepines
Authors: Albanese Domenico C. M. , Gaggero Nicoletta , Fei Meng
Published: October 2017

Hexafluoro-2-propanol as the solvent allows a catalyst free domino approach to 2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzothiazepines in up to 98% yield.
Enhanced microalgal lipid extraction using bio-based solvents for sustainable biofuel production
Authors: Wan Mahmood Wan M. Asyraf , Theodoropoulos Constantinos , Gonzalez-Miquel Maria
Published: October 2017

Bio-based solvents are efficient replacements for traditional fossil-derived solvents in microalgal lipid extraction towards developing environmentally friendly biofuel production processes.
Demonstration of a novel ion-exchange column for pre-concentration of silver ions in optical emission spectroscopy utilizing a liquid-sampling atmospheric pressure glow discharge microplasma
Authors: Hall Katja A. , Jiang Liuwei , Marcus R. Kenneth
Published: October 2017

Sulfonated, nylon 6 C-CP fibers hold promise as a simple, low cost phase for cation pre-concentration, here for the LS-APGD-OES.
TIMS analysis of neodymium isotopes in human tooth enamel using 1013Ω amplifiers
Authors: Plomp E. , von Holstein I. C. C. , Koornneef J. M. , Smeets R. J. , Font L. , Baart J. A. , Forouzanfar T. , Davies G. R.
Published: October 2017

This is the first comprehensive study of143Nd/144Nd composition of human tissues, exploring its potential for human provenancing.
Efficient synthesis of EDOT modified ABBB-type unsymmetrical zinc phthalocyanine: optoelectrochromic and glucose sensing properties of its copolymerized film
Authors: Göktuğ Özge , Soganci Tugba , Ak Metin , Şener M. Kasım
Published: October 2017

A new EDOT-based monomer bearing zinc phthalocyanine was synthesized and the electrochromic and biosensing properties of electropolymers derived from it were investigated.
Poly(ferrocenylsilane) electrolytes as a gold nanoparticle foundry: “two-in-one” redox synthesis and electrosteric stabilization, and sensing applications
Authors: Song J. , Tan Y. N. , Jańczewski D. , Hempenius M. A. , Xu J. W. , Tan H. R. , Vancso G. J.
Published: October 2017

Synthesis of stable and redox responsive AuNPs using organometallic polyelectrolytes for the detection of redox molecules, e.g. vitamin C, in a controlled and facile manner.
Nanostructured mesophase electrode materials: modulating charge-storage behavior by thermal treatment
Authors: Kong Hye Jeong , Kim Saerona , Le Thanh-Hai , Kim Yukyung , Park Geunsu , Park Chul Soon , Kwon Oh Seok , Yoon Hyeonseok
Published: October 2017

3D nanostructured electrode materials with tunable capacitive phases were developed using graphene/particulate polypyrrole nanohybrid precursors without a separate process for incorporating heterogeneous species.
Synthesis of ultrasmall CsPbBr3 nanoclusters and their transformation to highly deep-blue-emitting nanoribbons at room temperature
Authors: Xu Yibing , Zhang Qiang , Lv Longfei , Han Wenqian , Wu Guanhong , Yang Dong , Dong Angang
Published: October 2017

Ultrasmall CsPbBr3 nanoclusters can be converted to highly deep-blue-emitting CsPbBr3 nanoribbons at room temperature.
Dendrimeric amide- and carbamate-linked lysine-based efficient molecular transporters
Authors: Yadav Amit Kumar , Dey Namit , Chattopadhyay Sabyasachi , Ganguli Munia , Fernandes Moneesha
Published: October 2017

Carbamate- and amide-linked lysine-based generation-2 dendrimeric oligomers transport pDNA into cells very efficiently when complexed by incubation overnight.
Ab initio based kinetic Monte Carlo analysis to unravel the propagation kinetics in vinyl acetate pulsed laser polymerization
Authors: Desmet Gilles B. , Marien Yoshi W. , Van Steenberge Paul H. M. , D'hooge Dagmar R. , Reyniers Marie-Françoise , Marin Guy B.
Published: October 2017

The radical propagation kinetics of vinyl acetate in pulsed laser polymerization (PLP) is studied by combining ab initio calculated rate coefficients with kinetic Monte Carlo modeling of PLP spectra.
Control of the alignment of liquid crystal molecules on a sequence-polymerized film by surface migration and polarized light irradiation
Authors: Cai Feng , Zheng Feng , Lu Xuemin , Lu Qinghua
Published: October 2017

A terminal azobenzene-containing terpolymer with excellent thermal stability and transparency was developed for the photo-alignment of liquid crystal molecules.
Synthesis and chiroptical properties of helical polystyrenes stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding
Authors: Liu Na , Sun Rui-Wen , Lu Hao-Jun , Li Xue-Liang , Liu Chun-Hua , Wu Zong-Quan
Published: October 2017

Helical polymers with a controlled helicity and a core cross-linked star polymer carrying the helical arms were facilely prepared.
Phytochemical content, cellular antioxidant activity and antiproliferative activity of Adinandra nitida tea (Shiyacha) infusion subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Chen Yongsheng , Ma Xiang , Fu Xiong , Yan Rian
Published: October 2017

Adinandra nitida tea (Shiyacha) is a traditional eminent and flourishing tea with a long history in Southeast Asia.
Palladium-catalyzed three-component tandem reaction of sulfonyl hydrazones, aryl iodides and allenes: highly stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-α-hydroxymethyl allylic sulfones
Authors: Hou Yunlei , Shen Qi , Zhu Liangyu , Han Yufei , Zhao Yanfang , Qin Mingze , Gong Ping
Published: October 2017

Sulfonyl hydrazones have been identified as an excellent sulfonyl anion surrogate in the tandem reaction with aryl iodides and allenes for the synthesis of functionalized (Z)-allylic sulfones.