bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus ORF4b protein inhibits type I interferon production through both cytoplasmic and nuclear targets
Authors: Yang Yang , Ye Fei , Zhu Na , Wang Wenling , Deng Yao , Zhao Zhengdong , Tan Wenjie
Published: December 2015

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a novel and highly pathogenic human coronavirus and has quickly spread to other countries in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and Asia since 2012. Previous studies have shown that MERS-CoV ORF4b antagonizes the early antiviral alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) response, which may significantly contribute to MERS-CoV pathogenesis; however, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we found that ORF4b in the cytoplasm could specifically bind to TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and IκB kinase epsilon (IKKε), suppress the molecular interaction between mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) and IKKε and inhibit IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation and subsequent IFN-β production. Further analysis showed that ORF4b could also inhibit IRF3 and IRF7-induced production of IFN-β, whereas deletion of the nuclear localization signal of ORF4b abrogated its ability to inhibit IRF3 and IRF7-induced production of IFN-β, but not IFN-β production induced by RIG-I, MDA5, MAVS, IKKε and TBK-1, suggesting that ORF4b could inhibit the induction of IFN-β in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Collectively, these results indicate that MERS-CoV ORF4b inhibits the induction of type I IFN through a direct interaction with IKKε/TBK1 in the cytoplasm and also in the nucleus with unknown mechanism. Viruses have evolved multiple strategies to evade or thwart a host’s antiviral responses. A novel human coronavirus (HCoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is distinguished from other coronaviruses by its high pathogenicity and mortality. However, virulence determinants that distinguish MERS-CoV from other HCoVs have yet to be identified. MERS-CoV ORF4b antagonizes the early antiviral response, which may contribute to MERS-CoV pathogenesis. Here, we report the identification of the interferon (IFN) antagonism mechanism of MERS-CoV ORF4b. MERS-CoV ORF4b inhibits the production of type I IFN through a direct interaction with IKKε/TBK1 in the cytoplasm and also in the nucleus with unknown mechanism. These findings provide a rationale for the novel pathogenesis of MERS-CoV as well as a basis for developing a candidate therapeutic against this virus.
Leveraging a Multi-Omics Strategy for Prioritizing Personalized Candidate Mutation-Driver Genes: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Ding Keyue , Wu Songfeng , Ying Wantao , Pan Qi , Li Xiaoyuan , Zhao Dachun , Li Xianyu , Zhao Qing , Zhu Yunping , Ren Hong , Qian Xiaohong
Published: December 2015

The expression of mutant forms of proteins (e.g., oncogenes and tumor suppressors) has implications in cancer biology and clinical practice. Initial efforts have been made to characterize the transcription of tumor-mutated alleles; however, few studies have been reported to link tumor-mutated alleles to proteomics. We aimed to characterize the transcriptional and translational patterns of tumor-mutated alleles. We performed whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq and proteome profiling in a hyper-mutated patient of hepatocellular carcinoma. Using the patient as a model, we show that only a small proportion of tumor-mutated alleles were expressed. In this case, 42% and 3.5% of the tumor-mutated alleles were identified to be transcribed and translated, respectively. Compared with genes with germline variations or without mutations, somatic mutations significantly reduced protein expression abundance. Using the transcriptional and translational patterns of tumor-mutated alleles, we classified the mutations into four types and only one type may be associated with the liver cancer and lead to hepatocarcinogenesis in the patient. Our results demonstrate how tumor-mutated alleles are transcribed and translated and how the expression enables the classification of somatic mutations that cause cancer. Leveraging multiple ‘omics’ datasets provides a new avenue for understanding patient-specific mutations that underlie carcinogenesis.
A preliminary study of ALPPS procedure in a rat model
Authors: Shi Huawen , Yang Guangchao , Zheng Tongsen , Wang Jiabei , Li Lulu , Liang Yingjian , Xie Changming , Yin Dalong , Sun Boshi , Sun Jing , Wang Huanlai , Pan Shangha , Jiang Hongchi , Lau WanYee , Liu Lianxin
Published: December 2015

Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has been reported to be a novel surgical technique that provides fast and effective growth of liver remnant. Despite occasional reports on animal studies, the mechanisms of rapid liver regeneration in ALPPS remains unclear. In the present study, we intend to develop a reproducible rat model to mimick ALPPS and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Rats assigned to the portal vein ligation (PVL), left lateral lobe (LLL) resection, transection and sham groups served as controls. Results indicated that the regeneration rate in the remnant liver after ALPPS was two times relative to PVL, whereas rats with transection alone showed minimal volume increase. The expression levels of Ki-67 and PCNA were about ten-fold higher after ALPPS compared with the transection and LLL resection groups and four-fold higher compared with the PVL group. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and HGF in the regenerating liver remnant were about three-fold higher after ALPPS than the controls. There was a more significant activation of NF-κB p65, STAT3 and Yap after ALPPS, suggesting synergistic activation of the pathways by PVL and transection, which might play an important role in liver regeneration after ALPPS.
TET-catalyzed 5-hydroxymethylcytosine regulates gene expression in differentiating colonocytes and colon cancer
Authors: Chapman Christopher G. , Mariani Christopher J. , Wu Feng , Meckel Katherine , Butun Fatma , Chuang Alice , Madzo Jozef , Bissonnette Marc B. , Kwon John H. , Godley Lucy A.
Published: December 2015

The formation of differentiated cell types from pluripotent progenitors involves epigenetic regulation of gene expression. DNA hydroxymethylation results from the enzymatic oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) by the ten-eleven translocation (TET) 5-mC dioxygenase enzymes. Previous work has mapped changes in 5-mC during differentiation of intestinal stem cells. However, whether or not 5-hmC regulates colonocyte differentiation is unknown. Here we show that 5-hmC regulates gene expression during colonocyte differentiation and controls gene expression in human colon cancers. Genome-wide profiling of 5-hmC during in vitro colonic differentiation demonstrated that 5-hmC is gained at highly expressed and induced genes and is associated with intestinal transcription factor binding sites, including those for HNF4A and CDX2. TET1 induction occurred during differentiation and TET1 knockdown altered gene expression and inhibited barrier formation of colonocytes. We find that the 5-hmC distribution in primary human colonocytes parallels the distribution found in differentiated cells in vitro and that gene-specific 5-hmC changes in human colon cancers are directly correlated with changes in gene expression. Our results support a model in which 5-hmC regulates differentiation of adult human intestine and 5-hmC alterations contribute to the disrupted gene expression in colon cancer.
The Y137H mutation of VvCYP51 gene confers the reduced sensitivity to tebuconazole in Villosiclava virens
Authors: Wang Fei , Lin Yang , Yin Wei-Xiao , Peng You-Liang , Schnabel Guido , Huang Jun-Bin , Luo Chao-Xi
Published: December 2015

Management of rice false smut disease caused by Villosiclava virens is dependent on demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides. Investigation of molecular mechanisms of resistance is therefore of upmost importance. In this study the gene encoding the target protein for DMI fungicides (VvCYP51) was cloned and investigated. The VvCYP51 gene in the resistant mutant revealed both a change from tyrosine to histidine at position 137 (Y137H) and elevated gene expression compared to the parental isolate. In order to determine which of these mechanisms was responsible for the reduced sensitivity to DMI fungicide tebuconazole, transformants expressing the mutated or the wild type VvCYP51 gene were generated. Transformants carrying the mutated gene were more resistant to tebuconazole compared to control transformants lacking the mutation, but the expression of the VvCYP51 gene was not significantly correlated with EC50 values. The wild type VvCYP51 protein exhibited stronger affinity for tebuconazole compared to the VvCYP51/Y137H in both molecular docking analysis and experimental binding assays. The UV-generated mutant as well as transformants expressing the VvCYP51/Y137H did not exhibit significant fitness penalties based on mycelial growth and spore germination, suggesting that isolates resistant to DMI fungicides based on the Y137H mutation may develop and be competitive in the field.
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in wetland soils under different land uses along a 100-year chronosequence of reclamation in a Chinese estuary
Authors: Bai Junhong , Lu Qiongqiong , Zhao Qingqing , Wang Junjing , Gao Zhaoqin , Zhang Guangliang
Published: December 2015

Soil profiles were collected at a depth of 30 cm in ditch wetlands (DWs), riverine wetlands (RiWs) and reclaimed wetlands (ReWs) along a 100-year chronosequence of reclamation in the Pearl River Delta. In total, 16 OCPs were measured to investigate the effects of wetland reclamation and reclamation history on OCP levels. Our results showed that average ∑DDTs, HCB, MXC and ∑OCPs were higher in surface soils of DWs compared to RiWs and ReWs. Both D30 and D20 soils contained the highest ∑OCP levels, followed by D40 and D100 soils; lower ∑OCP levels occurred in D10 soils. Higher ∑OCP levels were observed in the younger RiWs than in the older ones and surface soils exhibited higher ∑OCP concentrations in the older ReWs compared with younger ReWs. The predominant percentages of γ-HCH in ∑HCHs (>42%) and aldrin in ∑DRINs (>46%) in most samples reflected the recent use of lindane and aldrin. The presence of dominant DDT isomers (p,p’-DDE and p,p’-DDD) indicated the historical input of DDT and significant aerobic degradation of the compound. Generally, DW soils had a higher ecotoxicological risk of OCPs than RiW and ReW soils and the top 30 cm soils had higher ecotoxicological risks of HCHs than of DDTs.
Decoding the view expectation during learned maze navigation from human fronto-parietal network
Authors: Shikauchi Yumi , Ishii Shin
Published: December 2015

Humans use external cues and prior knowledge about the environment to monitor their positions during spatial navigation. View expectation is essential for correlating scene views with a cognitive map. To determine how the brain performs view expectation during spatial navigation, we applied a multiple parallel decoding technique to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) when human participants performed scene choice tasks in learned maze navigation environments. We decoded participants’ view expectation from fMRI signals in parietal and medial prefrontal cortices, whereas activity patterns in occipital cortex represented various types of external cues. The decoder’s output reflected participants’ expectations even when they were wrong, corresponding to subjective beliefs opposed to objective reality. Thus, view expectation is subjectively represented in human brain and the fronto-parietal network is involved in integrating external cues and prior knowledge during spatial navigation.
Neural substrate of quality of life in patients with schizophrenia: a magnetisation transfer imaging study
Authors: Faget-Agius Catherine , Boyer Laurent , Wirsich Jonathan , Ranjeva Jean-Philippe , Richieri Raphaelle , Soulier Elisabeth , Confort-Gouny Sylviane , Auquier Pascal , Guye Maxime , Lançon Christophe
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the neural substrate underlying quality of life (QoL) and to demonstrate the microstructural abnormalities associated with impaired QoL in a large sample of patients with schizophrenia, using magnetisation transfer imaging. A total of 81 right-handed men with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and 25 age- and sex-similar healthy controls were included and underwent a 3T MRI with magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) to detect microstructural abnormalities. Compared with healthy controls, patients with schizophrenia had grey matter (GM) decreased MTR values in the temporal lobe (BA21, BA37 and BA38), the bilateral insula, the occipital lobe (BA17, BA18 and BA19) and the cerebellum. Patients with impaired QoL had lower GM MTR values relative to patients with preserved QoL in the bilateral temporal pole (BA38), the bilateral insula, the secondary visual cortex (BA18), the vermis and the cerebellum. Significant correlations between MTR values and QoL scores (p < 0.005) were observed in the GM of patients in the right temporal pole (BA38), the bilateral insula, the vermis and the right cerebellum. Our study shows that QoL impairment in patients with schizophrenia is related to the microstructural changes in an extensive network, suggesting that QoL is a bio-psychosocial marker.
Laser propulsion of nanobullets by adiabatic compression of surface plasmon polaritons
Authors: Folli Viola , Ruocco Giancarlo , Conti Claudio
Published: December 2015

Laser propulsion and guide of nanosized objects is fundamental for a wide number of applications. These applications are often limited by the fact that the optical forces acting on nanoparticles are almost negligible even in the favorable case of metallic particles and hence large laser powers are needed to accelerate and guide nanosize devices in practical applications. Furthermore, metallic nanoparticles exhibit strong absorption bands and scattering and this makes more difficult controlling nanopropulsion. Thus, finding some mechanism enhancing the optomechanical interaction at the nanoscale controlled by laser is specifically challenging and pivotal. Here, we demonstrate a novel physical effect where the well-known adiabatic localization of the enhanced plasmonic surface field on the apex of metallic nanocones produces a significant optical pressure employable as a propulsive mechanism. The proposed method gives the possibility to develop new photonics devices to accelerate metallic nanobullets over long distances for a variety of applications.
Re-engineering cellular physiology by rewiring high-level global regulatory genes
Authors: Fitzgerald Stephen , Dillon Shane C. , Chao Tzu-Chiao , Wiencko Heather L. , Hokamp Karsten , Cameron Andrew D. S. , Dorman Charles J.
Published: December 2015

Knowledge of global regulatory networks has been exploited to rewire the gene control programmes of the model bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The product is an organism with competitive fitness that is superior to that of the wild type but tuneable under specific growth conditions. The paralogous hns and stpA global regulatory genes are located in distinct regions of the chromosome and control hundreds of target genes, many of which contribute to stress resistance. The locations of the hns and stpA open reading frames were exchanged reciprocally, each acquiring the transcription control signals of the other. The new strain had none of the compensatory mutations normally associated with alterations to hns expression in Salmonella; instead it displayed rescheduled expression of the stress and stationary phase sigma factor RpoS and its regulon. Thus the expression patterns of global regulators can be adjusted artificially to manipulate microbial physiology, creating a new and resilient organism.
Self-Growth of Centimeter-Scale Single Crystals by Normal Sintering Process in Modified Potassium Sodium Niobate Ceramics
Authors: Ahn Cheol-Woo , Lee Ho-Yong , Han Guifang , Zhang Shujun , Choi Si-Young , Choi Jong-Jin , Kim Jong-Woo , Yoon Woon-Ha , Choi Joon-Hwan , Park Dong-Soo , Hahn Byung-Dong , Ryu Jungho
Published: December 2015

In this manuscript, an interesting phenomenon is reported. That is the self-growth of single crystals in Pb-free piezoelectric ceramics. These crystals are several centimeters in size. They are grown without any seed addition through a normal sintering process in modified potassium sodium niobate ceramics. It has been achieved by the composition designed to compensate the Na+loss which occurs during the liquid phase sintering. The composition of the crystals is (K0.4925Na0.4925−xBa0.015+x/2)Nb0.995+xO3[x is determined by the Na+loss, due to Na2O volatilization]. These crystals have high piezoelectric voltage coefficients (g33, 13110−3Vm/N), indicating that they are good candidates for piezoelectric sensors and energy harvesting devices. We hope that this report can offer the opportunity for many researchers to have an interest in these crystals.
Multiple regulation pathways and pivotal biological functions of STAT3 in cancer
Authors: Yuan Jie , Zhang Fei , Niu Ruifang
Published: December 2015

STAT3 is both a transcription activator and an oncogene that is tightly regulated under normal physiological conditions. However, abundant evidence indicates that STAT3 is persistently activated in several cancers, with a crucial position in tumor onset and progression. In addition to its traditional role in cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration, STAT3 also promotes cancer through altering gene expression via epigenetic modification, inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes in cancer cells, regulating the tumor microenvironment and promoting cancer stem cells (CSCs) self-renewal and differentiation. STAT3 is regulated not only by the canonical cytokines and growth factors, but also by the G-protein-coupled receptors, cadherin engagement, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and microRNA (miRNA). Despite the presence of diverse regulators and pivotal biological functions in cancer, no effective therapeutic inventions are available for inhibiting STAT3 and acquiring potent antitumor effects in the clinic. An improved understanding of the complex roles of STAT3 in cancer is required to achieve optimal therapeutic effects.
Profiling of conserved non-coding elements upstream of SHOX and functional characterisation of the SHOX cis-regulatory landscape
Authors: Verdin Hannah , Fernández-Miñán Ana , Benito-Sanz Sara , Janssens Sandra , Callewaert Bert , De Waele Kathleen , De Schepper Jean , François Inge , Menten Björn , Heath Karen E. , Gómez-Skarmeta José Luis , De Baere Elfride
Published: December 2015

Genetic defects such as copy number variations (CNVs) in non-coding regions containing conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) outside the transcription unit of their target gene, can underlie genetic disease. An example of this is the short stature homeobox (SHOX) gene, regulated by seven CNEs located downstream and upstream of SHOX, with proven enhancer capacity in chicken limbs. CNVs of the downstream CNEs have been reported in many idiopathic short stature (ISS) cases, however, only recently have a few CNVs of the upstream enhancers been identified. Here, we set out to provide insight into: (i) the cis-regulatory role of these upstream CNEs in human cells, (ii) the prevalence of upstream CNVs in ISS and (iii) the chromatin architecture of the SHOX cis-regulatory landscape in chicken and human cells. Firstly, luciferase assays in human U2OS cells and 4C-seq both in chicken limb buds and human U2OS cells, demonstrated cis-regulatory enhancer capacities of the upstream CNEs. Secondly, CNVs of these upstream CNEs were found in three of 501 ISS patients. Finally, our 4C-seq interaction map of the SHOX region reveals a cis-regulatory domain spanning more than 1 Mb and harbouring putative new cis-regulatory elements.
β-sitosterol interacts with pneumolysin to prevent Streptococcus pneumoniae infection
Authors: Li Hongen , Zhao Xiaoran , Wang Jianfeng , Dong Yu , Meng Song , Li Rui , Niu Xiaodi , Deng Xuming
Published: December 2015

Pneumolysin is one of the major virulence factors elaborated by Streptococcus pneumoniae; this toxin is a member of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. Engagement of cholesterol induces the formation of a multi-subunit complex by pneumolysin that lyses host cells by forming pores on the membrane. Because pneumolysin released by bacteria which have been killed by conventional antibiotics is still active, agents capable of directly attacking the toxin are considered advantageous against antimicrobials in the treatment of S. pneumoniae infections. Here we found that the phytosterol, β-sitosterol, effectively protects against cell lysis caused by pneumolysin. This compound interacts with the toxin at Thr459 and Leu460, two sites important for being recognized by its natural ligand, cholesterol. Similar to cholesterol, β-sitosterol induces pneumolysin oligomerization. This compound also protects cells from damage by other cholesterol-dependent toxins. Finally, this compound protects mice against S. pneumoniae infection. Thus, β-sitosterol is a candidate for the development of anti-virulence agents against pathogens that rely on cholesterol-dependent toxins for successful infections.
Sex-specific increase in susceptibility to metabolic syndrome in adult offspring after prenatal ethanol exposure with post-weaning high-fat diet
Authors: He Zheng , Li Jing , Luo Hanwen , Zhang Li , Ma Lu , Chen Liaobin , Wang Hui
Published: December 2015

Prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) is an established risk factor for intrauterine growth retardation. The present study was designed to determine whether PEE can increase the susceptibility of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome (MS) in adult offspring in a sex-specific manner, based on a generalized linear model analysis. Pregnant Wistar rats were administered ethanol (4 g/kg.d) from gestational day 11 until term delivery. All offspring were fed either a normal diet or a HFD after weaning and were sacrificed at postnatal week 20 and blood samples were collected. Results showed that PEE reduced serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels but enhanced serum glucose, insulin, insulin resistant index (IRI), triglyceride and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations. Moreover, the analysis showed interactions among PEE, HFD and sex. In the PEE offspring, HFD aggravated the decrease in ACTH and corticosterone levels and further increased serum glucose, insulin, triglyceride and TC levels. The changes of serum ACTH, glucose and IRI levels in the female HFD rats were greater than those in the male HFD rats. Our findings suggest that PEE enhances the susceptibility to MS induced by HFD in a sex-specific manner, which might be primarily associated with the neuroendocrine metabolic programming by PEE.
Fate of HIV-1 cDNA intermediates during reverse transcription is dictated by transcription initiation site of virus genomic RNA
Authors: Masuda Takao , Sato Yoko , Huang Yu-Lun , Koi Satoshi , Takahata Tatsuro , Hasegawa Atsuhiko , Kawai Gota , Kannagi Mari
Published: December 2015

Retroviral reverse transcription is accomplished by sequential strand-transfers of partial cDNA intermediates copied from viral genomic RNA. Here, we revealed an unprecedented role of 5′-end guanosine (G) of HIV-1 genomic RNA for reverse transcription. Based on current consensus for HIV-1 transcription initiation site, HIV-1 transcripts possess a single G at 5′-ends (G1-form). However, we found that HIV-1 transcripts with additional Gs at 5′-ends (G2- and G3-forms) were abundantly expressed in infected cells by using alternative transcription initiation sites. The G2- and G3-forms were also detected in the virus particle, although the G1-form predominated. To address biological impact of the 5′-G number, we generated HIV clone DNA to express the G1-form exclusively by deleting the alternative initiation sites. Virus produced from the clone showed significantly higher strand-transfer of minus strong-stop cDNA (-sscDNA). The in vitro assay using synthetic HIV-1 RNAs revealed that the abortive forms of -sscDNA were abundantly generated from the G3-form RNA, but dramatically reduced from the G1-form. Moreover, the strand-transfer of -sscDNA from the G1-form was prominently stimulated by HIV-1 nucleocapsid. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the 5′-G number that corresponds to HIV-1 transcription initiation site was critical for successful strand-transfer of -sscDNA during reverse transcription.
Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering Deposition of TiO2 Thin Films and Their Perovskite Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Chen Cong , Cheng Yu , Dai Qilin , Song Hongwei
Published: December 2015

In this work, we report a physical deposition based, compact (cp) layer synthesis for planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells. Typical solution-based synthesis of cp layer for perovskite solar cells involves low-quality of thin films, high-temperature annealing, non-flexible devices, limitation of large-scale production and that the effects of the cp layer on carrier transport have not been fully understood. In this research, using radio frequency magnetron sputtering (RFMS), TiO2 cp layers were fabricated and the thickness could be controlled by deposition time; CH3NH3PbI3 films were prepared by evaporation & immersion (E & I) method, in which PbI2 films made by thermal evaporation technique were immersed in CH3NH3I solution. The devices exhibit power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.1% and the photovoltaic performance can maintain 77% of its initial PCE after 1440 h. The method developed in this study has the capability of fabricating large active area devices (40 × 40 mm2) showing a promising PCE of 4.8%. Low temperature and flexible devices were realized and a PCE of 8.9% was obtained on the PET/ITO substrates. These approaches could be used in thin film based solar cells which require high-quality films leading to reduced fabrication cost and improved device performance.
Mouse Crumbs3 sustains epithelial tissue morphogenesis in vivo
Authors: Charrier Lucie E. , Loie Elise , Laprise Patrick
Published: December 2015

The human apical protein CRB3 (Crb3 in mouse) organizes epithelial cell polarity. Loss of CRB3 expression increases the tumorogenic potential of cultured epithelial cells and favors metastasis formation in nude mice. These data emphasize the need of in vivo models to study CRB3 functions. Here, we report the phenotypic analysis of a novel Crb3 knockout mouse model. Crb3-deficient newborn mice show improper clearance of airways, suffer from respiratory distress and display perinatal lethality. Crb3 is also essential to maintain apical membrane identity in kidney epithelial cells. Numerous kidney cysts accompany these polarity defects. Impaired differentiation of the apical membrane is also observed in a subset of cells of the intestinal epithelium. This results in improper remodeling of adhesive contacts in the developing intestinal epithelium, thereby leading to villus fusion. We also noted a strong increase in cytoplasmic β-catenin levels in intestinal epithelial cells. β-catenin is a mediator of the Wnt signaling pathway, which is overactivated in the majority of colon cancers. In addition to clarifying the physiologic roles of Crb3, our study highlights that further functional analysis of this protein is likely to provide insights into the etiology of diverse pathologies, including respiratory distress syndrome, polycystic kidney disease and cancer.
Primordial Follicle Transplantation within Designer Biomaterial Grafts Produce Live Births in a Mouse Infertility Model
Authors: Kniazeva E. , Hardy A. N. , Boukaidi S. A. , Woodruff T. K. , Jeruss J. S. , Shea L. D.
Published: December 2015

The gonadotoxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation may result in premature ovarian failure in premenopausal oncology patients. Although autotransplantation of ovarian tissue has led to successful live births, reintroduction of latent malignant cells inducing relapse is a significant concern. In this report, we investigated the design of biomaterial grafts for transplantation of isolated ovarian follicles as a means to preserve fertility. Primordial and primary ovarian follicles from young female mice were extracted and encapsulated into biomaterials for subsequent transplantation into adult mice. Among the formulations tested, aggregated follicles encapsulated within fibrin had enhanced survival and integration with the host tissue following transplantation relative to the fibrin-alginate and fibrin-collagen composites. All mice transplanted with fibrin-encapsulated follicles resumed cycling and live births were achieved only for follicles transplanted within VEGF-loaded fibrin beads. The extent to which these procedures reduce the presence of metastatic breast cancer cells among the isolated follicles was evaluated, with significantly reduced numbers of cancer cells present relative to intact ovaries. This ability to obtain live births by transplanting isolated primordial and primary follicles, while also reducing the risk of re-seeding disease relative to ovarian tissue transplantation, may ultimately provide a means to preserve fertility in premenopausal oncology patients.
Plasmonic CROWs for Tunable Dispersion and High Quality Cavity Modes
Authors: Wood John J. , Lafone Lucas , Hamm Joachim M. , Hess Ortwin , Oulton Rupert F.
Published: December 2015

Coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROWs) have the potential to revolutionise integrated optics, to slow-light and enhance linear and non-linear optical phenomena. Here we exploit the broad resonances and subwavelength nature of localized surface plasmons in a compact CROW design where plasmonic nanoparticles are side coupled to a dielectric waveguide. The plasmonic CROW features a low loss central mode with a highly tunable dispersion, that avoids coupling to the plasmonic nanoparticles close to the band-edge. We show that this low loss character is preserved in finite plasmonic CROWs giving rise to Fabry-Perot type resonances that have high quality factors of many thousands, limited only by the CROW length. Furthermore we demonstrate that the proposed CROW design is surprisingly robust to disorder. By varying the geometric parameters one can not only reduce the losses into dissipative or radiative channels but also control the outcoupling of energy to the waveguide. The ability to minimise loss in plasmonic CROWs while maintaining dispersion provides an effective cavity design for chip-integrated laser devices and applications in linear and non-linear nano-photonics.
Investigation of Tumor Cell Behaviors on a Vascular Microenvironment-Mimicking Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Huang Rong , Zheng Wenfu , Liu Wenwen , Zhang Wei , Long Yunze , Jiang Xingyu
Published: December 2015

The extravasation of tumor cells is a key event in tumor metastasis. However, the mechanism underlying tumor cell extravasation remains unknown, mainly hindered by obstacles from the lack of complexity of biological tissues in conventional cell culture and the costliness and ethical issues of in vivo experiments. Thus, a cheap, time and labor saving and most of all, vascular microenvironment-mimicking research model is desirable. Herein, we report a microfluidic chip-based tumor extravasation research model which is capable of simultaneously simulating both mechanical and biochemical microenvironments of human vascular systems and analyzing their synergistic effects on the tumor extravasation. Under different mechanical conditions of the vascular system, the tumor cells (HeLa cells) had the highest viability and adhesion activity in the microenvironment of the capillary. The integrity of endothelial cells (ECs) monolayer was destroyed by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in a hemodynamic background, which facilitated the tumor cell adhesion, this situation was recovered by the administration of platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs). This model bridges the gap between cell culture and animal experiments and is a promising platform for studying tumor behaviors in the vascular system.
Quantifying crustal thickness over time in magmatic arcs
Authors: Profeta Lucia , Ducea Mihai N. , Chapman James B. , Paterson Scott R. , Gonzales Susana Marisol Henriquez , Kirsch Moritz , Petrescu Lucian , DeCelles Peter G.
Published: December 2015

We present global and regional correlations between whole-rock values of Sr/Y and La/Yb and crustal thickness for intermediate rocks from modern subduction-related magmatic arcs formed around the Pacific. These correlations bolster earlier ideas that various geochemical parameters can be used to track changes of crustal thickness through time in ancient subduction systems. Inferred crustal thicknesses using our proposed empirical fits are consistent with independent geologic constraints for the Cenozoic evolution of the central Andes, as well as various Mesozoic magmatic arc segments currently exposed in the Coast Mountains, British Columbia and the Sierra Nevada and Mojave-Transverse Range regions of California. We propose that these geochemical parameters can be used, when averaged over the typical lifetimes and spatial footprints of composite volcanoes and their intrusive equivalents to infer crustal thickness changes over time in ancient orogens.
FGF coordinates air sac development by activation of the EGF ligand Vein through the transcription factor PntP2
Authors: Cruz Josefa , Bota-Rabassedas Neus , Franch-Marro Xavier
Published: December 2015

How several signaling pathways are coordinated to generate complex organs through regulation of tissue growth and patterning is a fundamental question in developmental biology. The larval trachea of Drosophila is composed of differentiated functional cells and groups of imaginal tracheoblasts that build the adult trachea during metamorphosis. Air sac primordium cells (ASP) are tracheal imaginal cells that form the dorsal air sacs that supply oxygen to the flight muscles of the Drosophila adult. The ASP emerges from the tracheal branch that connects to the wing disc by the activation of both Bnl-FGF/Btl and EGFR signaling pathways. Together, these pathways promote cell migration and proliferation. In this study we demonstrate that Vein (vn) is the EGF ligand responsible for the activation of the EGFR pathway in the ASP. We also find that the Bnl-FGF/Btl pathway regulates the expression of vn through the transcription factor PointedP2 (PntP2). Furthermore, we show that the FGF target gene escargot (esg) attenuates EGFR signaling at the tip cells of the developing ASP, reducing their mitotic rate to allow proper migration. Altogether, our results reveal a link between Bnl-FGF/Btl and EGFR signaling and provide novel insight into how the crosstalk of these pathways regulates migration and growth.
In vitro comparison of antimicrobial effectiveness of QMix and other final irrigants in human root canals
Authors: Liu Ying , Guo Lili , Li Yuqin , Guo Xiangjun , Wang Bin , Wu Ligeng
Published: December 2015

Final root canal irrigation stands as an effective strategy for eliminating the dentin infection. This study aimed to investigate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of QMix and other four final irrigation regimens in reducing Enterococcus faecalis within human root canals. Single-canal human teeth contaminated with E. faecalis for 4 weeks were prepared chemomechanically with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Then, the teeth were randomly assigned into six groups according to the final irrigation protocols: (1) EDTA/NaOCl, 17% EDTA followed by 5.25% NaOCl; (2) EDTA/chlorhexidine (CHX), 17% EDTA followed by 2% CHX; (3) EDTA/cetrimide (CTR), 17% EDTA followed by 2% CTR; (4) MTAD; (5) QMix; and (6) control, 0.9% saline. Bacterial samples collected before instrumentation and after final irrigation were cultured and the colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted. The CFUs in the QMix, EDTA/CHX and EDTA/CTR groups were significantly lower than those in the EDTA/NaOCl group. No significant differences were observed between the QMix, EDTA/CHX and EDTA/CTR groups. MTAD showed weaker ability than QMix and EDTA/CHX to eliminate E. faecalis, but it caused a greater reduction in CFU than EDTA/NaOCl. Hence, the antimicrobial activity of QMix was comparable to that of EDTA/CHX and EDTA/CTR and more effective than that of EDTA/NaOCl against intracanal E. faecalis.
Defective Ti2Nb10O27.1: an advanced anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lin Chunfu , Yu Shu , Zhao Hua , Wu Shunqing , Wang Guizhen , Yu Lei , Li Yanfang , Zhu Zi-Zhong , Li Jianbao , Lin Shiwei
Published: December 2015

To explore anode materials with large capacities and high rate performances for the lithium-ion batteries of electric vehicles, defective Ti2Nb10O27.1 has been prepared through a facile solid-state reaction in argon. X-ray diffractions combined with Rietveld refinements indicate that Ti2Nb10O27.1 has the same crystal structure with stoichiometric Ti2Nb10O29 (Wadsley-Roth shear structure with A2/m space group) but larger lattice parameters and 6.6% O2– vacancies (vs. all O2– ions). The electronic conductivity and Li+ion diffusion coefficient of Ti2Nb10O27.1 are at least six orders of magnitude and ~2.5 times larger than those of Ti2Nb10O29, respectively. First-principles calculations reveal that the significantly enhanced electronic conductivity is attributed to the formation of impurity bands in Ti2Nb10O29–x and its conductor characteristic. As a result of the improvements in the electronic and ionic conductivities, Ti2Nb10O27.1 exhibits not only a large initial discharge capacity of 329 mAh g–1 and charge capacity of 286 mAh g–1 at 0.1 C but also an outstanding rate performance and cyclability. At 5 C, its charge capacity remains 180 mAh g–1 with large capacity retention of 91.0% after 100 cycles, whereas those of Ti2Nb10O29 are only 90 mAh g–1 and 74.7%.
Multiple regimes of robust patterns between network structure and biodiversity
Authors: Jover Luis F. , Flores Cesar O. , Cortez Michael H. , Weitz Joshua S.
Published: December 2015

Ecological networks such as plant-pollinator and host-parasite networks have structured interactions that define who interacts with whom. The structure of interactions also shapes ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Yet, there is significant ongoing debate as to whether certain structures, e.g., nestedness, contribute positively, negatively or not at all to biodiversity. We contend that examining variation in life history traits is key to disentangling the potential relationship between network structure and biodiversity. Here, we do so by analyzing a dynamic model of virus-bacteria interactions across a spectrum of network structures. Consistent with prior studies, we find plausible parameter domains exhibiting strong, positive relationships between nestedness and biodiversity. Yet, the same model can exhibit negative relationships between nestedness and biodiversity when examined in a distinct, plausible region of parameter space. We discuss steps towards identifying when network structure could, on its own, drive the resilience, sustainability and even conservation of ecological communities.
Prognostic Value of Ezrin in Various Cancers: A Systematic Review and Updated Meta-analysis
Authors: Li Jianwei , Wei Kuanhai , Yu Hailang , Jin Dan , Wang Gang , Yu Bin
Published: December 2015

More and more studies have investigated the effects of Ezrin expression level on the prognostic role in various tumors. However, the results remain controversial rather than conclusive. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the correlation of Ezrin expression with the prognosis in various tumors. the pooled hazard ratios (HR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to evaluate the degree of the association. The overall results of fifty-five studies with 6675 patients showed that elevated Ezrin expression was associated with a worse prognosis in patients with cancers, with the pooled HRs of 1.86 (95% CI: 1.51–2.31,P < 0.001) for over survival (OS), 2.55 (95% CI: 2.14–3.05,P < 0.001) for disease-specific survival (DFS) and 2.02 (95% CI: 1.13–3.63,P = 0.018) for disease-specific survival (DSS)/metastasis-free survival (MFS) by the random, fixed and random effect model respectively. Similar results were also observed in the stratified analyses by tumor types, ethnicity background and sample source. This meta-analysis suggests that Ezrin may be a potential prognostic marker in cancer patients. High Ezrin is associated with a poor prognosis in a variety of solid tumors.
Retracted Article: The next generation cell-penetrating peptide and carbon dot conjugated nano-liposome for transdermal delivery of curcumin
Authors: Patra Santanu , Roy Ekta , Madhuri Rashmi , Sharma Prashant K.
Published: December 2015

Novel polyarginine-conjugated C dot modified spherical nano-liposomes with enhanced stability, long circulation time and high cytocompatibility are successfully prepared and investigated for transdermal drug delivery.
Efficient photolytic C–H bond functionalization of alkylbenzene with hypervalent iodine(iii) reagent
Authors: Sakamoto Ryu , Inada Tsubasa , Selvakumar Sermadurai , Moteki Shin A. , Maruoka Keiji
Published: December 2015

A practical approach to radical C–H bond functionalization by the photolysis of a hypervalent iodine(iii) reagent is presented.
Catalytic reductive N-alkylation of amines using carboxylic acids
Authors: Andrews Keith G. , Summers Declan M. , Donnelly Liam J. , Denton Ross M.
Published: December 2015

We report a catalytic reductive alkylation reaction of primary or secondary amines with carboxylic acids.
Enantioselective synthesis of 4H-pyranonaphthoquinones via sequential squaramide and silver catalysis
Authors: Kaya Uğur , Chauhan Pankaj , Hack Daniel , Deckers Kristina , Puttreddy Rakesh , Rissanen Kari , Enders Dieter
Published: December 2015

An enantioselective Michael addition/hydroalkoxylation reaction between 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones and alkyne-tethered nitroalkenes catalysed by a cinchona-derived squaramide/silver(i) salt has been developed.
Less is more: silicate in the crystallization of hydroxyapatite in simulated body fluids
Authors: Wang Ya-Nan , Jiang Shuqin , Pan Haihua , Tang Ruikang
Published: December 2015

Dilute silicate (0.05–0.5 mM) promoted the nucleation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) in simulated body fluids, while a higher level of silicate (3–8 mM) inhibited it.
Thiolated Au18 cluster: preferred Ag sites for doping, structures, and optical and chiroptical properties
Authors: Molina Bertha , Tlahuice-Flores Alfredo
Published: December 2015

Silver doping of thiolated Au18 cluster occurs in the inner core.
Protein structural robustness to mutations: an in silico investigation
Authors: Achoch Mounia , Dorantes-Gilardi Rodrigo , Wymant Chris , Feverati Giovanni , Salamatian Kave , Vuillon Laurent , Lesieur Claire
Published: December 2015

Amino Acid Rank (AAR): a new algorithm to quantity protein structure changes upon mutation.
Ligand effect of SnO2 on a Pt–Ru catalyst and the relationship between bond strength and CO tolerance
Authors: Takeguchi Tatsuya , Kunifuji Akane , Narischat Napan , Ito Mikio , Noguchi Hidenori , Uosaki Kohei , Mukai Shin R.
Published: December 2015

Pt–Ru/SnO2/C catalysts were prepared by a rapid quenching method.
Visible light-induced photochemical oxygen evolution from water by 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride nanorods as an n-type organic semiconductor
Authors: Li Jia-Xin , Li Zhi-Jun , Ye Chen , Li Xu-Bing , Zhan Fei , Fan Xiang-Bing , Li Jian , Chen Bin , Tao Ye , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: December 2015

The designed nanorods with cobalt oxide achieve an AQE of 4.6 ± 0.3% for oxygen evolution under visible light irradiation at 410 nm.
Enhanced visible light driven photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol at reduced graphene oxide/CdS nanowires decorated with Pt nanoparticles
Authors: Arabzadeh Abbas , Salimi Abdollah , Ashrafi Maysam , Soltanian Saied , Servati Peyman
Published: December 2015

A ternary rGO/CdS NWs/Pt NPs nanocomposite is successfully synthesized via a template-free route and its application for electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol was developed.
Influence of TiO2electronic structure and strong metal–support interaction on plasmonic Au photocatalytic oxidations
Authors: Naldoni Alberto , Riboni Francesca , Marelli Marcello , Bossola Filippo , Ulisse Giacomo , Di Carlo Aldo , Píš Igor , Nappini Silvia , Malvestuto Marco , Dozzi Maria Vittoria , Psaro Rinaldo , Selli Elena , Dal Santo Vladimiro
Published: December 2015

Photocatalytic oxidations promoted by hot electron transfer and PRET strongly depend on Au loading and SMSI.
Gold assisted oxygen dissociation on a molybdenum-doped CaO(001) surface
Authors: Nevalaita Janne , Häkkinen Hannu , Honkala Karoliina
Published: December 2015

Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we address the adsorption of O2and the coadsorption of gold species and oxygen molecules on a Mo-doped CaO(001) surface with 1.25% impurity concentration.
Mechanistic studies of the photo-electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction on poly(2,2′-bithiophene)
Authors: Ng Chun Hin , Ohlin C. André , Qiu Siyao , Sun Chenghua , Winther-Jensen Bjorn
Published: December 2015

The realisation of poly(2,2′-bithiophene) (PBTh) as an effective photo-electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction is a novel discovery [Ng et al., Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 2014, 39, 18230]; however, the underlying mechanism for this catalysis remains unknown.
Depressing the hydrogenation and decomposition reaction in H2O2 synthesis by supporting AuPd on oxygen functionalized carbon nanofibers
Authors: Villa Alberto , Freakley Simon J. , Schiavoni Marco , Edwards Jennifer K. , Hammond Ceri , Veith Gabriel M. , Wang Wu , Wang Di , Prati Laura , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: December 2015

The introduction of oxygen functionalities to the surface of CNFs depressed the hydrogenation and decomposition reaction during the synthesis of H2O2.
Supported ionic-liquid-phase-stabilized Au(iii) catalyst for acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Zhao Jia , Gu Shanchuan , Xu Xiaolong , Zhang Tongtong , Yu Yi , Di Xiaoxia , NI Jun , Pan Zhiyan , Li Xiaonian
Published: December 2015

Using high-valent Au(iii) catalysis is highly desirable in many reactions; however it is plagued by the poor stability of Au(iii) complexes.
Performances and mechanistic investigations of a triphosphine trioxide/ionic liquid system for rare earth extraction
Authors: Turgis R. , Arrachart G. , Dubois V. , Dourdain S. , Virieux D. , Michel S. , Legeai S. , Lejeune M. , Draye M. , Pellet-Rostaing S.
Published: December 2015

A triphosphine trioxide (TPO)/ionic liquid (IL) system for rare earth extraction: application for permanent magnet recycling.
B(C6F5)3-catalyzed metal-free hydrogenation of 3,6-diarylpyridazines
Authors: Wang Wei , Meng Wei , Du Haifeng
Published: December 2015

Metal-free hydrogenation of 3,6-diarylpyridaxines was realized for the first time to furnish 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazine derivatives in 85–95% yields.
Carbon materials for high volumetric performance supercapacitors: design, progress, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Wang Qian , Yan Jun , Fan Zhuangjun
Published: December 2015

This review summarizes recent progress in the design and fabrication of carbon materials for high volumetric performance supercapacitors.
Entropic stabilization of mixed A-cation ABX3 metal halide perovskites for high performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yi Chenyi , Luo Jingshan , Meloni Simone , Boziki Ariadni , Ashari-Astani Negar , Grätzel Carole , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Röthlisberger Ursula , Grätzel Michael
Published: December 2015

A mixture of CsPbI3 and FAPbI3 is thermodynamically stabilized in the perovskite phase with respect to the pure δ phases.
Controlling core/shell Au/FePt nanoparticle electrocatalysis via changing the core size and shell thickness
Authors: Sun Xiaolian , Li Dongguo , Guo Shaojun , Zhu Wenlei , Sun Shouheng
Published: December 2015

We optimized the catalytic activity of core/shell Au/FePt nanoparticles (NPs) by finely tuning Au sizes of 4, 7, and 9 nm and FePt shells with similar FePt compositions but 0.5, 1, and 2 nm thickness.