bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HTLV-1 bZIP factor suppresses TDP1 expression through inhibition of NRF-1 in adult T-cell leukemia
Authors: Takiuchi Yoko , Kobayashi Masayuki , Tada Kohei , Iwai Fumie , Sakurada Maki , Hirabayashi Shigeki , Nagata Kayoko , Shirakawa Kotaro , Shindo Keisuke , Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Murakawa Yasuhiro , Rajapakse Vinodh , Pommier Yves , Matsuoka Masao , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi
Published: October 2017

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is an aggressive T-cell malignancy caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). We recently reported that abacavir, an anti-HIV-1 drug, potently and selectively kills ATL cells. This effect was attributed to the reduced expression of tyrosyl-DNA-phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1), a DNA repair enzyme, in ATL cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the downregulation of TDP1 in ATL cells remains elusive. Here we identified the core promoter of the TDP1 gene, which contains a conserved nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1) binding site. Overexpression of NRF-1 increased TDP1-promoter activity, whereas the introduction of dominant-negative NRF-1 repressed such activity. Overexpression of NRF-1 also upregulated endogenous TDP-1 expression, while introduction of shNRF-1 suppressed TDP1 in Jurkat T cells, making them susceptible to abacavir. These results indicate that NRF-1 is a positive transcriptional regulator of TDP1-gene expression. Importantly, we revealed that HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ) protein which is expressed in all ATL cases physically interacts with NRF-1 and inhibits the DNA-binding ability of NRF-1. Taken together, HBZ suppresses TDP1 expression by inhibiting NRF-1 function in ATL cells. The HBZ/NRF-1/TDP1 axis provides new therapeutic targets against ATL and might explain genomic instability leading to the pathogenesis of ATL.
Climates on incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus in 72 countries
Authors: Chen Yin-ling , Huang Yong-cheng , Qiao Yong-chao , Ling Wei , Pan Yan-hong , Geng Li-jun , Xiao Jian-long , Zhang Xiao-xi , Zhao Hai-lu
Published: October 2017

We are aimed to systematically assess the worldwide trend in incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus (CT1DM) from 1965 to 2012 and to discuss whether climate affect incidence of CT1DM. We searched the relevant literatures in detail to judge the effect of different climates on incidence of CT1DM. The climates included Mediterranean, monsoon, oceanic, continental, savanna, and rainforest. According to different climates, we further researched relevant factor such as sunshine durations and latitudes. The overall incidence of CT1DM in 72 countries was 11.43 (95% CI 10.31–12.55) per 100,000 children/yr. The incidence of CT1DM in Oceanic climate [10.56 (8.69–12.42)] is highest compared with other climates; the incidence in 40°–66°34′N/S [14.71 (12.30–17.29)] is higher than other latitude groups; the incidence in sunshine durations with 3–4 hours per day [15.17 (11.14–19.20)] is highest compared with other two groups; the incidence of CT1DM from 2000 to 2012 [19.58 (14.55–24.60)] is higher than other periods; all p < 0.01. Incidence of CT1DM was increasing from 1965 to 2012, but incidence in Oceanic climate is higher than other climates. Furthermore, it is higher in centers with higher latitude and lower sunshine durations. The climates might play a key role in inducing CT1DM.
Flexible parental care: Uniparental incubation in biparentally incubating shorebirds
Authors: Bulla Martin , Prüter Hanna , Vitnerová Hana , Tijsen Wim , Sládeček Martin , Alves José A. , Gilg Olivier , Kempenaers Bart
Published: October 2017

The relative investment of females and males into parental care might depend on the population’s adult sex-ratio. For example, all else being equal, males should be the more caring sex if the sex-ratio is male biased. Whether such outcomes are evolutionary fixed (i.e. related to the species’ typical sex-ratio) or whether they arise through flexible responses of individuals to the current population sex-ratio remains unclear. Nevertheless, a flexible response might be limited by the evolutionary history of the species, because one sex may have lost the ability to care or because a single parent cannot successfully raise the brood. Here, we demonstrate that after the disappearance of one parent, individuals from 8 out of 15 biparentally incubating shorebird species were able to incubate uniparentally for 1–19 days (median = 3, N = 69). Moreover, their daily incubation rhythm often resembled that of obligatory uniparental shorebird species. Although it has been suggested that in some biparental shorebirds females desert their brood after hatching, we found both sexes incubating uniparentally. Strikingly, in 27% of uniparentally incubated clutches - from 5 species - we documented successful hatching. Our data thus reveal the potential for a flexible switch from biparental to uniparental care.
Impact of Infectious Disease Consultation on Clinical Management and Outcome of Patients with Bloodstream Infection: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tang Guangmin , Huang Liang , Zong Zhiyong
Published: October 2017

The impact of consultation by infectious diseases (ID) physicians on management and outcomes of patients has not been determined in China. We assembled a retrospective cohort of 995 consecutive adult cases with bloodstream infections (BSI) in a major teaching hospital in China. Survival analysis was performed with Cox regression and the Kaplan-Meier curves. Among the 995 patients with BSI, 421 (42.3%) received consultation by ID physicians and 574 (57.7%) did not. ID consultation led to a significant lower hazard of death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.575; P < 0.05) and more appropriate antimicrobial use (95.0% vs 67.6%, P < 0.05). ID consultation was a protective factor among patients with BSI due to Gram-positive (HR, 0.551; P < 0.05) or Gram-negative (HR, 0.331; P < 0.05) bacteria. Multiple ID consultation was a protective factor (HR, 0.51; P < 0.05), while single consultation was not. In conclusion, ID consultation led to significant lower risk for patients with BSI and improved management. Multiple rather than single ID consultations reduced the hazard of death.
Contralateral cortico-ponto-cerebellar pathways reconstruction in humans in vivo: implications for reciprocal cerebro-cerebellar structural connectivity in motor and non-motor areas
Authors: Palesi Fulvia , De Rinaldis Andrea , Castellazzi Gloria , Calamante Fernando , Muhlert Nils , Chard Declan , Tournier J. Donald , Magenes Giovanni , D’Angelo Egidio , Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott Claudia A. M.
Published: October 2017

Cerebellar involvement in cognition, as well as in sensorimotor control, is increasingly recognized and is thought to depend on connections with the cerebral cortex. Anatomical investigations in animals and post-mortem humans have established that cerebro-cerebellar connections are contralateral to each other and include the cerebello-thalamo-cortical (CTC) and cortico-ponto-cerebellar (CPC) pathways. CTC and CPC characterization in humans in vivo is still challenging. Here advanced tractography was combined with quantitative indices to compare CPC to CTC pathways in healthy subjects. Differently to previous studies, our findings reveal that cerebellar cognitive areas are reached by the largest proportion of the reconstructed CPC, supporting the hypothesis that a CTC-CPC loop provides a substrate for cerebro-cerebellar communication during cognitive processing. Amongst the cerebral areas identified using in vivo tractography, in addition to the cerebral motor cortex, major portions of CPC streamlines leave the prefrontal and temporal cortices. These findings are useful since provide MRI-based indications of possible subtending connectivity and, if confirmed, they are going to be a milestone for instructing computational models of brain function. These results, together with further multi-modal investigations, are warranted to provide important cues on how the cerebro-cerebellar loops operate and on how pathologies involving cerebro-cerebellar connectivity are generated.
Zebra Finch chicks recognise parental scent, and retain chemosensory knowledge of their genetic mother, even after egg cross-fostering
Authors: Caspers Barbara A. , Hagelin Julie C. , Paul Madeleine , Bock Sandra , Willeke Sandra , Krause E. Tobias
Published: October 2017

Mechanisms underlying parent-offspring recognition in birds have fascinated researchers for centuries. Yet, the possibility that chicks recognise parental odour at hatching has been completely overlooked, despite the fact that olfaction is one of the first sensory modalities to develop, and social chemosignals occur in avian taxa. Here we show that Zebra Finch chicks (Taeniopygia guttata) are capable of identifying parental odours at hatching. In our first experiment, chicks begged significantly longer in response to the odour of their genetic mother or father compared to the odour of a non-relative of the same sex and reproductive status. In a second experiment, we cross-fostered eggs and tested the response of hatchlings to the scent of genetic vs. foster parents. Chicks from cross-fostered eggs responded significantly more to the odour of their genetic mother than their foster mother, but exhibited no difference in response to genetic vs. foster fathers. This is the first evidence that embryonic altricial birds are capable of acquiring chemosensory knowledge of their parents during early development, and retain chemical familiarity with their genetic mother despite egg cross-fostering. Furthermore our data reveals that kin recognition in birds can develop without any association with a genetic parent at hatching.
The human blood parasite Schistosoma mansoni expresses extracellular tegumental calpains that cleave the blood clotting protein fibronectin
Authors: Wang Qiang , Da’dara Akram A. , Skelly Patrick J.
Published: October 2017

Schistosomes are intravascular, parasitic flatworms that cause debilitating disease afflicting >200 million people. Proteins expressed at the host-parasite interface likely play key roles in modifying the worm’s local environment to ensure parasite survival. Proteomic analysis reveals that two proteases belonging to the calpain family (SmCalp1 and SmCalp2) are expressed in the Schistosoma mansoni tegument. We have cloned both; while highly conserved in domain organization they display just 31% amino acid sequence identity. Both display high relative expression in the parasite’s intravascular life forms. Immunolocalization and activity based protein profiling experiments confirm the presence of the enzymes at the host-parasite interface. Living parasites exhibit surface calpain activity that is blocked in the absence of calcium and in the presence of calpain inhibitors (E64c, PD 150606 and calpastatin). While calpains are invariably reported to be exclusively intracellular (except in diseased or injured tissues), our data show that schistosomes display unique, constitutive, functional extracellular calpain activity. Furthermore we show that the worms are capable of cleaving the host blood clotting protein fibronectin and that this activity can be inhibited by E64c. We hypothesize that SmCalp1 and/or SmCalp2 perform this cleavage function to impede blood clot formation around the worms in vivo.
Parkinson’s disease-related DJ-1 functions in thiol quality control against aldehyde attack in vitro
Authors: Matsuda Noriyuki , Kimura Mayumi , Queliconi Bruno Barros , Kojima Waka , Mishima Masaki , Takagi Kenji , Koyano Fumika , Yamano Koji , Mizushima Tsunehiro , Ito Yutaka , Tanaka Keiji
Published: October 2017

DJ-1 (also known as PARK7) has been identified as a causal gene for hereditary recessive Parkinson’s disease (PD). Consequently, the full elucidation of DJ-1 function will help decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying PD pathogenesis. However, because various, and sometimes inconsistent, roles for DJ-1 have been reported, the molecular function of DJ-1 remains controversial. Recently, a number of papers have suggested that DJ-1 family proteins are involved in aldehyde detoxification. We found that DJ-1 indeed converts methylglyoxal (pyruvaldehyde)-adducted glutathione (GSH) to intact GSH and lactate. Based on evidence that DJ-1 functions in mitochondrial homeostasis, we focused on the possibility that DJ-1 protects co-enzyme A (CoA) and its precursor in the CoA synthetic pathway from aldehyde attack. Here, we show that intact CoA and β-alanine, an intermediate in CoA synthesis, are recovered from methylglyoxal-adducts by recombinant DJ-1 purified from E. coli. In this process, methylglyoxal is converted to L-lactate rather than the D-lactate produced by a conventional glyoxalase. PD-related pathogenic mutations of DJ-1 (L10P, M26I, A104T, D149A, and L166P) impair or abolish detoxification activity, suggesting a pathological significance. We infer that a key to understanding the biological function of DJ-1 resides in its methylglyoxal-adduct hydrolase activity, which protects low-molecular thiols, including CoA, from aldehydes.
Spatial-temporal distribution of dengue and climate characteristics for two clusters in Sri Lanka from 2012 to 2016
Authors: Sun Wei , Xue Ling , Xie Xiaoxue
Published: October 2017

Dengue is a vector-borne disease causing high morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical countries. Urbanization, globalization, and lack of effective mosquito control have lead to dramatically increased frequency and magnitude of dengue epidemic in the past 40 years. The virus and the mosquito vectors keep expanding geographically in the tropical regions of the world. Using the hot spot analysis and the spatial-temporal clustering method, we investigated the spatial-temporal distribution of dengue in Sri Lanka from 2012 to 2016 to identify spatial-temporal clusters and elucidate the association of climatic factors with dengue incidence. We detected two important spatial-temporal clusters in Sri Lanka. Dengue incidences were predicted by combining historical dengue incidence data with climate data, and hot and cold spots were forecasted using the predicted dengue incidences to identify areas at high risks. Targeting the hot spots during outbreaks instead of all the regions can save resources and time for public health authorities. Our study helps better understand how climatic factors impact spatial and temporal spread of dengue virus. Hot spot prediction helps public health authorities forecast future high risk areas and direct control measures to minimize cost on health, time, and economy.
Genome-wide open chromatin regions and their effects on the regulation of silk protein genes in Bombyx mori
Authors: Zhang Quan , Cheng Tingcai , Jin Shengkai , Guo Youbing , Wu Yuqian , Liu Duolian , Xu Xiaomin , Sun Yueting , Li Zhiqing , He Huawei , Xia Qingyou
Published: October 2017

Nucleosome-depleted open chromatin regions (OCRs) often harbor transcription factor (TF) binding sites that are associated with active DNA regulatory elements. To investigate the regulation of silk-protein genes, DNA molecules isolated from the silk glands of third-day fifth-instar silkworm larvae and embryo-derived (BmE) cells were subjected to formal dehyde-assisted isolation of regulatory elements (FAIRE) and high-throughput sequencing. In total, 68,000 OCRs were identified, and a number of TF-binding motifs were predicted. In particular, OCRs located near silk-protein genes contained potential binding sites for functional TFs. Moreover, many TFs were found to bind to clusters of OCRs upstream of silk-protein genes, and to regulate the expression of these genes. The expression of silk protein genes may be related not only to regulating TFs (such as fkh, Bmdimm, and Bmsage), but also to developmental and hormone-induced TFs (such as zen, eve, Br, and eip74ef). Elucidation of genome-wide OCRs and their regulatory motifs in silk protein genes will provide valuable data and clues for characterizing the mechanisms of transcriptional control of silk protein genes.
Prokineticin receptor-1-dependent paracrine and autocrine pathways control cardiac tcf21+ fibroblast progenitor cell transformation into adipocytes and vascular cells
Authors: Qureshi Rehana , Kindo Michel , Arora Himanshu , Boulberdaa Mounia , Steenman Marja , Nebigil Canan G.
Published: October 2017

Cardiac fat tissue volume and vascular dysfunction are strongly associated, accounting for overall body mass. Despite its pathophysiological significance, the origin and autocrine/paracrine pathways that regulate cardiac fat tissue and vascular network formation are unclear. We hypothesize that adipocytes and vasculogenic cells in adult mice hearts may share a common cardiac cells that could transform into adipocytes or vascular lineages, depending on the paracrine and autocrine stimuli. In this study utilizing transgenic mice overexpressing prokineticin receptor (PKR1) in cardiomyocytes, and tcf21ERT-creTM-derived cardiac fibroblast progenitor (CFP)-specific PKR1 knockout mice (PKR1
tcf−/−), as well as FACS-isolated CFPs, we showed that adipogenesis and vasculogenesis share a common CFPs originating from the tcf21+ epithelial lineage. We found that prokineticin-2 is a cardiomyocyte secretome that controls CFP transformation into adipocytes and vasculogenic cells in vivo and in vitro. Upon HFD exposure, PKR1
tcf−/− mice displayed excessive fat deposition in the atrioventricular groove, perivascular area, and pericardium, which was accompanied by an impaired vascular network and cardiac dysfunction. This study contributes to the cardio-obesity field by demonstrating that PKR1 via autocrine/paracrine pathways controls CFP–vasculogenic- and CFP-adipocyte-transformation in adult heart. Our study may open up new possibilities for the treatment of metabolic cardiac diseases and atherosclerosis.
Spred2-deficiecy Protects Mice from Polymicrobial Septic Peritonitis by Enhancing Inflammation and Bacterial Clearance
Authors: Itakura Junya , Sato Miwa , Ito Toshihiro , Mino Megumi , Fushimi Soichiro , Takahashi Sakuma , Yoshimura Teizo , Matsukawa Akihiro
Published: October 2017

Sepsis is an infection-induced systemic inflammatory syndrome and a major cause of death for critically ill patients. Here, we examined whether the absence of Sprouty-related EVH1-domain-containing protein 2 (Spred2), a negative regulator of the Ras/Raf/ERK/MAPK pathway, influences host defense against polymicrobial sepsis (PMS) induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Compared to wild-type mice, Spred2−/−mice exhibited higher survival rates with increased level of leukocyte infiltration and local chemokine production and reduced plasma and peritoneal bacterial loads after CLP. The MEK inhibitor U0126 significantly reduced LPS-induced chemokine production by Spred2−/−resident macrophagesin vitro, and decreased CLP-induced leukocyte infiltrationin vivo. Spred2−/−resident macrophages, but not neutrophils or elicited macrophages, exhibited increased phagocytic activity. Interestingly, surface expression of complement receptor 1/2 (CR1/2) was increased in Spred2−/−resident macrophages in response to lipopolysaccharide in a manner dependent on the ERK/MAPK pathway, and blocking CR1/2in vivoresulted in reduced leukocyte infiltration and increased bacterial loads after CLP. Taken together, our results indicate that Spred2-deficiency protects mice from PMS via increased activation of the ERK/MAPK pathway and subsequent increase in innate immune responses. Thus, inhibiting Spred2 may present a novel means to prevent the development of PMS.
Equiaxial Strain Modulates Adipose-derived Stem Cell Differentiation within 3D Biphasic Scaffolds towards Annulus Fibrosus
Authors: Elsaadany Mostafa , Winters Kayla , Adams Sarah , Stasuk Alexander , Ayan Halim , Yildirim-Ayan Eda
Published: October 2017

Recurrence of intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation is the most important factor leading to chronic low back pain and subsequent disability after discectomy. Efficacious annulus fibrosus (AF) repair strategy that delivers cells and biologics to IVD injury site is needed to limit the progression of disc degeneration and promote disc self-regeneration capacities after discectomy procedures. In this study, a biphasic mechanically-conditioned scaffold encapsulated with human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) is studied as a potential treatment strategy for AF defects. Equiaxial strains and frequencies were applied to ASCs-encapsulated scaffolds to identify the optimal loading modality to induce AF differentiation. Equiaxial loading resulted in 2–4 folds increase in secretion of extracellular matrix proteins and the reorganization of the matrix fibers and elongations of the cells along the load direction. Further, the equiaxial load induced region-specific differentiation of ASCs within the inner and outer regions of the biphasic scaffolds. Gene expression of AF markers was upregulated with 5–30 folds within the equiaxially loaded biphasic scaffolds compared to unstrained samples. The results suggest that there is a specific value of equiaxial strain favorable to differentiate ASCs towards AF lineage and that ASCs-embedded biphasic scaffold can potentially be utilized to repair the AF defects.
microRNA profiling in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage of cigarette smoke-exposed mice and in COPD patients: a translational approach
Authors: Conickx Griet , Avila Cobos Francisco , van den Berge Maarten , Faiz Alen , Timens Wim , Hiemstra Pieter S. , Joos Guy F. , Brusselle Guy G. , Mestdagh Pieter , Bracke Ken R.
Published: October 2017

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a progressive airflow limitation and is associated with a chronic inflammatory response in both airways and lungs. microRNAs (miRNAs) are often highly conserved between species and have an intricate role within homeostatic conditions and immune responses. Also, miRNAs are dysregulated in smoking-associated diseases. We investigated the miRNA profile of 523 miRNAs by stem-loop RT-qPCR in lung tissue and cell-free bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) supernatant of mice exposed to air or cigarette smoke (CS) for 4 or 24 weeks. After 24 weeks of CS exposure, 31 miRNAs were differentially expressed in lung tissue and 78 in BAL supernatant. Next, we correlated the miRNA profiling data to inflammation in BAL and lung, obtained by flow cytometry or ELISA. In addition, we surveyed for overlap with newly assessed miRNA profiles in bronchial biopsies and with previously assessed miRNA profiles in lung tissue and induced sputum supernatant of smokers with COPD. Several miRNAs showed concordant differential expression between both species including miR-31*, miR-155, miR-218 and let-7c. Thus, investigating miRNA profiling data in different compartments and both species provided accumulating insights in miRNAs that may be relevant in CS-induced inflammation and the pathogenesis of COPD.
The loss of P2X7 receptor expression leads to increase intestinal glucose transit and hepatic steatosis
Authors: Arguin Guillaume , Bourzac Jean-François , Placet Morgane , Molle Caroline M. , Paquette Michel , Beaudoin Jean-François , Rousseau Jacques A. , Lecomte Roger , Plourde Mélanie , Gendron Fernand-Pierre
Published: October 2017

In intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), it was reported that the activation of the P2X7 receptor leads to the internalization of the glucose transporter GLUT2, which is accompanied by a reduction of IEC capacity to transport glucose. In this study, we used P2rx7−/− mice to decipher P2X7 functions in intestinal glucose transport and to evaluate the impacts on metabolism. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed the presence of GLUT2 at the apical domain of P2rx7−/− jejunum enterocytes. Positron emission tomography and biodistribution studies demonstrated that glucose was more efficiently delivered to the circulation of knockout animals. These findings correlated with increase blood glucose, insulin, triglycerides and cholesterol levels. In fact, P2rx7−/− mice had increased serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels and displayed glucose intolerance and resistance to insulin. Finally, P2rx7−/− mice developed a hepatic steatosis characterized by a reduction of Acaca, Acacb, Fasn and Acox1 mRNA expression, as well as for ACC and FAS protein expression. Our study suggests that P2X7 could play a central role in metabolic diseases.
Interfacial contact stiffness of fractal rough surfaces
Authors: Zhang Dayi , Xia Ying , Scarpa Fabrizio , Hong Jie , Ma Yanhong
Published: October 2017

In this work we describe a theoretical model that predicts the interfacial contact stiffness of fractal rough surfaces by considering the effects of elastic and plastic deformations of the fractal asperities. We also develop an original test rig that simulates dovetail joints for turbo machinery blades, which can fine tune the normal contact load existing between the contacting surfaces of the blade root. The interfacial contact stiffness is obtained through an inverse identification method in which finite element simulations are fitted to the experimental results. Excellent agreement is observed between the contact stiffness predicted by the theoretical model and by the analogous experimental results. We demonstrate that the contact stiffness is a power law function of the normal contact load with an exponent α within the whole range of fractal dimension D(1 < D < 2). We also show that for 1 < D < 1.5 the Pohrt-Popov behavior (α = 1/(3 − D)) is valid, however for 1.5 < D < 2, the exponent α is different and equal to 2(D − 1)/D. The diversity between the model developed in the work and the Pohrt-Popov one is explained in detail.
Mechanistic Evaluation and Translational Signature of Gemcitabine-induced Chemoresistance by Quantitative Phosphoproteomics Analysis with iTRAQ Labeling Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Duan Qingke , Zhao Hengqiang , Zhang Zhengle , Li Hehe , Wu Heshui , Shen Qiang , Wang Chunyou , Yin Tao
Published: October 2017

One of the main causations of the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer is the lack of effective chemotherapies. Gemcitabine is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug, but limited therapeutic efficacy is achieved due to chemoresistance. Recent studies demonstrated that the presence of cancer stem cells may lead to the failure of chemotherapy. Moreover, gemcitabine can promote the stemness of pancreatic cancer cells. We detected the alterations in protein phosphorylation and signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer cells after gemcitabine treatment using iTRAQ labeling LC-MS/MS, because it was featured with the advantages of strong separation ability and analysis range. A total of 232 differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins were identified in this study. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that nuclear lumen, nuclear part and organelle lumen were enriched for cell components and protein binding, poly (A) RNA binding and RNA binding were enriched for molecular function. A variety of signaling pathways were enriched based on KEGG analysis. AMPK, mTOR and PI3K/Akt pathways were verified after gemcitabine exposure. Moreover, we found there were complex interactions of phosphorylated proteins in modulating cancer stemness induced by gemcitabine exposure based on PPIs map. Our experiments may identify potential targets and strategies for sensitizing pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine.
Gene losses and partial deletion of small single-copy regions of the chloroplast genomes of two hemiparasitic Taxillus species
Authors: Li Ying , Zhou Jian-guo , Chen Xin-lian , Cui Ying-xian , Xu Zhi-chao , Li Yong-hua , Song Jing-yuan , Duan Bao-zhong , Yao Hui
Published: October 2017

Numerous variations are known to occur in the chloroplast genomes of parasitic plants. We determined the complete chloroplast genome sequences of two hemiparasitic species, Taxillus chinensis and T. sutchuenensis, using Illumina and PacBio sequencing technologies. These species are the first members of the family Loranthaceae to be sequenced. The complete chloroplast genomes of T. chinensis and T. sutchuenensis comprise circular 121,363 and 122,562 bp-long molecules with quadripartite structures, respectively. Compared with the chloroplast genomes of Nicotiana tabacum and Osyris alba, all ndh genes as well as three ribosomal protein genes, seven tRNA genes, four ycf genes, and the infA gene of these two species have been lost. The results of the maximum likelihood and neighbor-joining phylogenetic trees strongly support the theory that Loranthaceae and Viscaceae are monophyletic clades. This research reveals the effect of a parasitic lifestyle on the chloroplast structure and genome content of T. chinensis and T. sutchuenensis, and enhances our understanding of the discrepancies in terms of assembly results between Illumina and PacBio.
NK cells are negatively regulated by sCD83 in experimental autoimmune uveitis
Authors: Lin Wei , Man Xuejing , Li Peng , Song Nannan , Yue Yingying , Li Bingqing , Li Yuanbin , Sun Yufei , Fu Qiang
Published: October 2017

Natural killer (NK) cells represent a subset of lymphocytes that contribute to innate immunity and have been reported to play a role in autoimmune uveitis. However, the mechanisms regulating NK cellular function in this condition remain unclear. Herein, we investigated the status of NK cells in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). We found that the number of CD83+CD3−NK1.1+cells was increased in the inflamed eyes and spleens of the EAU mouse model. At the recovery stage of EAU, serum concentrations of soluble CD83 (sCD83) were increased. sCD83 treatment relieved retinal tissue damage and decreased the number of infiltrating NK cells in inflamed eyes. Further analysis of the effects of sCD83 treatment in EAU revealed that it reduced: 1) the expressions of CD11b and CD83 in NK cells, 2) the percent of CD11bhighCD27lowCD3−NK1.1+cells and 3) the secretion of granzyme B, perforin and IFN-γ in NK cells as demonstrated bothin vivoandin vitro. When sCD83 treated-NK cells were transferred into EAU mice, retinal tissue damage was relieved. These results demonstrate sCD83 down-regulate NK cellular function and thus provide important, new information regarding the means for the beneficial effects of this agent in the treatment of autoimmune uveitis.
Large piezoelectric strain with ultra-low strain hysteresis in highly c-axis oriented Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 films with columnar growth on amorphous glass substrates
Authors: Nguyen Minh D. , Houwman Evert P. , Rijnders Guus
Published: October 2017

Thin films of PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) with largely detached columnar grains, deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on amorphous glass substrates covered with Ca2Nb3O10 nanosheets as growth template and using LaNiO3 electrode layers, are shown to exhibit very high unipolar piezoelectric strain and ultra-low strain hysteresis. The observed increase of the piezoelectric coefficient with increasing film thickness is attributed to the reduction of clamping, because of the increasingly less dense columnar microstructure (more separation between the grains) with across the film thickness. A very large piezoelectric coefficient (490 pm/V) and a high piezoelectric strain (~0.9%) are obtained in 4-µm-thick film under an applied electric field of 200 kV/cm, which is several times larger than in usual PZT ceramics. Further very low strain hysteresis (H≈2–4%) is observed in 4 to 5 µm thick films. These belong to the best values demonstrated so far in piezoelectric films. Fatigue testing shows that the piezoelectric properties are stable up to 1010 cycles. The growth of high quality PZT films with very large strain and piezoelectric coefficients, very low hysteresis and with long-term stability on a technologically important substrate as glass is of great significance for the development of practical piezo driven microelectromechanical actuator systems.
The ultrastructure of spinal cord perivascular spaces: Implications for the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Lam Magdalena A. , Hemley Sarah J. , Najafi Elmira , Vella Nicole G. F. , Bilston Lynne E. , Stoodley Marcus A.
Published: October 2017

Perivascular spaces play a pivotal role in the exchange between cerebrospinal and interstitial fluids, and in the clearance of waste in the CNS, yet their precise anatomical components are not well described. The aim of this study was to characterise the ultrastructure of perivascular spaces and their role in the transport of fluid, in the spinal cord of healthy rats, using transmission electron microscopy. The distribution of cerebrospinal fluid tracers injected into the subarachnoid space was studied using light, confocal and electron microscopy. Perivascular spaces were found around arterioles and venules, but not capillaries, throughout the spinal cord white and grey matter. They contained fibroblasts and collagen fibres, and were continuous with the extracellular spaces of the surrounding tissue. At 5 min post injection, tracers were seen in the subarachnoid space, the peripheral white matter, the perivascular spaces, basement membranes, extracellular spaces of the surrounding tissue, and surprisingly, in the lumen of blood vessels, suggesting trans-vascular clearance. These findings point out an unrecognised outflow pathway for CNS fluids, with potential implications for volume regulation in health and disease states, but also clinically for the detection of CNS-derived biomarkers in plasma, the immune response and drug pharmacokinetics.
Facile insertion of a cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene carbon into the B–B bond of diboron(4) reagents
Authors: Eichhorn Antonius F. , Kuehn Laura , Marder Todd B. , Radius Udo
Published: October 2017

The carbene cAACMereacts with diboron compoundsviaan irreversible insertion into the B–B bond.
FeCl3-Catalyzed synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives from 1-(2-aminophenyl)pyrroles through annulation and cleavage of cyclic ethers
Authors: An Zhenyu , Zhao Lianbiao , Wu Mingzhong , Ni Jixiang , Qi Zhenjie , Yu Guiqin , Yan Rulong
Published: October 2017

A straightforward Fe-catalyzed method for the synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines from 1-(2-aminophenyl)pyrroles and cyclic ethers, which includes functionalization of C(sp3)-H bonds and the construction of C–C and C–N bonds, has been developed.
Syntheses, structural diversity, magnetic properties and dye absorption of various Co(ii) MOFs based on a semi-flexible 4-(3,5-dicarboxylatobenzyloxy)benzoic acid
Authors: Meng Xiang-min , Cui Lian-sheng , Wang Xin-ping , Zhang Xiao-yin , Zhang Xia , Bi Shuang-yu
Published: October 2017

Various polymeric structures of MOFs1–5.
A 3D luminescent Zn(ii) MOF for the detection of high explosives and the degradation of organic dyes: an experimental and computational study
Authors: Jin Jun-Cheng , Wu Jian , He Yong-Xiang , Li Bao-Hong , Liu Jian-Qiang , Prasad Rajendra , Kumar Abhinav , Batten Stuart R.
Published: October 2017

A 3D uncommon porous MOF 1 with a 4-c lonsdaleite (lon) topology based on binuclear Zn clusters behaves as a fluorescent chemosensor and a photocatalyst.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Elucidation of charge-transfer SERS selection rules by considering the excited state properties and the role of electrode potential”’ by M. Mohammadpour, M. H. Khodabandeh, L. Visscher and Z. Jamshidi, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 7833
Authors: Jamshidi Zahra , Khodabandeh Mohammad Hassan , Mohammadpour Mozhdeh , Visscher Lucas
Published: October 2017

The role of electrode potential in the amount of charge-transfer, stability of metal-pyridine and pattern of SERS spectra is investigated.
A novel multimode sensor showing cation-dependent fluorescence colour
Authors: Fujii Sho , Ishimura Ryo , Nakagawa Atsushi , Kitamura Noboru
Published: October 2017

We developed a novel fluorescent metal sensor, by which nature of a metal cation could be identified directly by the fluorescence colour.
A unified understanding of the direct coordination of NO to first-transition-row metal centers in metal–ligand complexes
Authors: Lee Hyunjoo , Kang Joongoo
Published: October 2017

Our first-principles comparative study provides insights into understanding the binding mechanisms of NO to metal–ligand complexes and related chemical trends.
Dihydrobis(methimazolyl)borato complexes of ruthenium and osmium
Authors: Foreman Mark R. St.-J. , Ma Chenxi , Hill Anthony F. , Otten Natalie E. , Sharma Manab , Tshabang Never , Ward Jas S.
Published: October 2017

The reaction of Na[H2B(mt)2] (mt = 2-mercapto, 3-methylimidazol-1-yl, methimazolyl) with [Ru(X)Cl(CO)(PPh3)n] (n= 3 X = H;n= 2 BO2C6H4, SiCl3, SiMe3) affords the complexes [Ru(X)(CO)(PPh3){κ2-H,S,S′-H2B(mt)2}].
Tailoring the input impedance of FeCo/C composites with efficient broadband absorption
Authors: Li Daoran , Zhang Baoshan , Liu Wei , Liang Xiaohui , Ji Guangbin
Published: October 2017

Cross-linking coin-like porous FeCo/C nanocomposites were successfully prepared by a simple carbon thermal reduction method. The excellent absorbent with a frequency broadband of 6 GHz was obtained though tailoring the input impedance of FeCo/C.
μ-Pyridine-bridged copper complex with robust proton-reducing ability
Authors: Majee Karunamay , Patel Jully , Das Babulal , Padhi Sumanta Kumar
Published: October 2017

The interconversion of the binuclear copper complex [Cu(DQPD)]2 to mononuclear [Cu(DQPD)]+ has been studied and their catalytic behaviour towards proton reduction has been reported.
Indigenous14C-phenanthrene biodegradation in “pristine” woodland and grassland soils from Norway and the United Kingdom
Authors: Okere Uchechukwu V. , Schuster Jasmin K. , Ogbonnaya Uchenna O. , Jones Kevin C. , Semple Kirk T.
Published: October 2017

In this study, the indigenous microbial mineralisation of14C-phenanthrene in seven background soils (four from Norwegian woodland and three from the UK (two grasslands and one woodland)) was investigated.
CO2-assisted synthesis of non-symmetric α-diketones directly from aldehydesviaC–C bond formation
Authors: Hirapara Pradipbhai , Riemer Daniel , Hazra Nabanita , Gajera Jignesh , Finger Markus , Das Shoubhik
Published: October 2017

CO2assisted various symmetric and non-symmetric α-diketones have been synthesized directly from the corresponding aldehydes using transition metal-free catalysts.
Recent advances on the utilization of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and related heterogeneous catalysts in a lignocellulosic-feedstock biorefinery scheme
Authors: Hernández Willinton Y. , Lauwaert Jeroen , Van Der Voort Pascal , Verberckmoes An
Published: October 2017

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and derived materials have been widely used as heterogeneous catalysts for different types of reactions either in gas or in liquid phase.
Protein–protein interaction networks as a new perspective to evaluate distinct functional roles of voltage-dependent anion channel isoforms
Authors: Caterino Marianna , Ruoppolo Margherita , Mandola Annalisa , Costanzo Michele , Orrù Stefania , Imperlini Esther
Published: October 2017

Proteins interacting with each VDAC isoform highlight the distinct functional roles of these porins in physiological and pathological conditions.
cis-1,2-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene copper(i) catalyzed C–H activation and carboxylation of terminal alkynes
Authors: Trivedi Manoj , Smreker Jacob R. , Singh Gurmeet , Kumar Abhinav , Rath Nigam P.
Published: October 2017

Reaction of CuX (X = CN, SCN) and cis-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene (dppet) in 1 : 1 molar ratio in DCM–MeOH (50 : 50 V/V) afforded copper(i) complexes. These complexes were shown to be efficient catalysts in comparison to CuCN/CuSCN for the conversion of terminal alkynes into propiolic acids with CO2 at room temperature.
The chemistry of titanium-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Nguyen Ha L.
Published: October 2017

The chemistry of Ti-based MOFs, including their synthetic methods, crystal structures, topological evaluation, and promising applications, is precisely summarized and discussed.
Synthesis of highly stable quantum-dot silicone nanocomposites via in situ zinc-terminated polysiloxane passivation
Authors: Xie Yangyang , Geng Chong , Liu Xinyue , Xu Shu , Xing Weishuo , Zhang Xinsu , Zhang Zi-Hui , Zhang Yonghui , Bi Wengang
Published: October 2017

Quantum dot (QD) silicone nanocomposites are promising luminescent materials for developing high performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Oleylamine-functionalized graphene oxide as an electron block layer towards high-performance and photostable fullerene-free polymer solar cells
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Niu Shengli , Wang Ning
Published: October 2017

Oleylamine-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) has a shallower energy level of conduction band (ECB) and a deeper energy level of the valence band (EVB) as compared to common hole extraction layer (HEL) materials, which make the electron block layer (EBL).
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel teixobactin analogues
Authors: Schumacher Christian E. , Harris Paul W. R. , Ding Xiao-Bo , Krause Bernard , Wright Tom H. , Cook Gregory M. , Furkert Daniel P. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: October 2017

Six analogues of the potent lipopeptide antibiotic, teixobactin were prepared by Fmoc SPPS and their activities examined against Gram positive bacteria.
Brønsted-base-catalyzed remote cascade reactivity of 2,4-dienones – asymmetric synthesis of tetrahydrothiophenes
Authors: Przydacz Artur , Kowalczyk Rafał , Albrecht Łukasz
Published: October 2017

Brønsted-base-catalyzed remote cascade reactivity of 2,4-dienones is described.
The selective response of a templated polymer for the cationic drug pentamidine: implications from molecular simulations and experimental data
Authors: Sobiech Monika , Luliński Piotr , Halik Paweł , Maciejewska Dorota
Published: October 2017

Theoretical and experimental analyses of surface modifications responsible for the selectivity of new imprinted sorbent produced for pentamidine cation isolation.
Synthesis and characterization of SrSnO3 doped with Er3+ for up-conversion luminescence temperature sensors
Authors: Cortés-Adasme E. , Vega M. , Martin I. R. , Llanos J.
Published: October 2017

The present work shows the results of the synthesis of SrSnO3:Er3+ (doped from 0% to 7% with Er3+) prepared using a sol–gel method.
Mechanically robust, multifunctional and nanofibrous membranes for tuberculosis elimination
Authors: Subjalearndee Nakarin , Intasanta Varol
Published: October 2017

Mechanically robust and potent antibacterial membranes are fabricated for total elimination of water- and airborne tuberculosis (TB) bacteria.
Synthesis and characterization of cobalt hydroxide carbonate nanostructures
Authors: Lin Xuehao , Li Hui , Musharavati Farayi , Zalnezhad Erfan , Bae Sungchul , Cho Bum-Yean , Hui Oscar K. S.
Published: October 2017

Battery-type electrodes of three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical cobalt hydroxide carbonate arrays on Ni foam were fabricated using a hydrothermal method for use in supercapacitors.
A novel dual-channel chemosensor for CN− based on rhodamine B hydrazide derivatives and its application in bitter almond
Authors: Pei Peng-Xiang , Hu Jing-Han , Ni Peng-Wei , Long Chen , Su Jun-Xia , Sun You
Published: October 2017

We successfully designed and synthesized a novel chemosensor PW bearing rhodamine B hydrazide and 8-formyl-7-hydroxyl-4-methylcoumarin, which displayed both colorimetric and “turn-on” fluorescence responses for CN− in DMSO/H2O (1 : 1, v/v, pH = 7.20) solution.
Telescoped continuous flow generation of a library of highly substituted 3-thio-1,2,4-triazoles
Authors: Damião Mariana C. F. C. B. , Galaverna Renan , Kozikowski Alan P. , Eubanks James , Pastre Julio C.
Published: October 2017

An integrated continuous flow process for the synthesis of 3-thio-1,2,4-triazoles is reported. A small library of 18 compounds was prepared in just 48 minutes of residence time in moderate to excellent yields.
Assembly of strongly phosphorescent hetero-bimetallic and -trimetallic [2]catenane structures based on a coinage metal alkynyl system
Authors: Chang Xiao-Yong , Xu Guang-Tao , Cao Bei , Wang Juan-Yu , Huang Jie-Sheng , Che Chi-Ming
Published: October 2017

Strongly phosphorescent hetero-metallic [2]catenanes, including bimetallic (RCC)12Au6M6 (M = Ag or Cu), (RCC)12Au10Ag2 and trimetallic (RCC)12Au6CunAg6−n, were obtained.
Coupled swelling and nematic reordering in liquid crystal gels
Authors: Lucantonio Alessandro , DeSimone Antonio
Published: October 2017

Nematic–isotropic phase transition and swelling occur on separate time scales. A nematic microswimmer exploits this concept to change shape non-reciprocally.
Quantifying the dispersion quality of partially aggregated colloidal dispersions by high frequency rheology
Authors: Schroyen Bram , Swan James W. , Van Puyvelde Peter , Vermant Jan
Published: October 2017

The dispersion quality of colloidal dispersions is quantified by analysing the hydrodynamic stress contributions in the high frequency limit.
Missing-node directed synthesis of hierarchical pores on a zirconium metal–organic framework with tunable porosity and enhanced surface acidity via a microdroplet flow reaction
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Liangjun , Dai Pengcheng , Yan Liting , Cao Lei , Gu Xin , Zhao Xuebo
Published: October 2017

A hierarchical porous zirconium metal–organic framework (UiO-66) was prepared continuously through a microdroplet flow reaction strategy for the first time.
Atom-scale dispersed palladium in a conductive Pd0.1TaS2 lattice with a unique electronic structure for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Dong , Wang Xin , Lu Yue , Song Changsheng , Pan Jie , Li Chilin , Sui Manling , Zhao Wei , Huang Fuqiang
Published: October 2017

Mono-dispersion of noble metal atoms in a stable host is of great significance and can accelerate the construction of high-efficiency catalysts.
Photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation from water using undoped GaN with selective-area Si-implanted stripes as a photoelectrode
Authors: Sheu Jinn-Kong , Liao Po-Hsun , Cheng Hsin-Yan , Lee Ming-Lun
Published: October 2017

Selective-area Si implantation was performed on the surface of GaN films to form n+-GaN stripes for enhancing the production rate of hydrogen by photolysis of water.
Potentiostatic phase formation of β-CoOOH on pulsed laser deposited biphasic cobalt oxide thin film for enhanced oxygen evolution
Authors: Mathankumar M. , Anantharaj S. , Nandakumar A. K. , Kundu Subrata , Subramanian B.
Published: October 2017

Atomic layer fabrication of biphasic spinel Co3O4and CoO on an FTO substrate through pulsed laser deposition was achieved and the fabricated CoxOyinterface was found to undergo tremendous surface construction under an applied potential which eventually increased the activity by reducing the overpotential by 55 mV.
Highly conductive Na-embedded carbon nanowalls for hole-transport-material-free perovskite solar cells without metal electrodes
Authors: Wei Wei , Hu Yun Hang
Published: October 2017

Highly conductive porous Na-embedded carbon nanowalls exhibit excellent counter electrode performance for HTM-free perovskite solar cells without metal electrodes.
A poly(ε-caprolactone)–poly(glycerol)–poly(ε-caprolactone) triblock copolymer for designing a polymeric micelle as a tumor targeted magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent
Authors: Cao Yi , Liu Min , Kuang Ye , Zu Guangyue , Xiong Dangsheng , Pei Renjun
Published: October 2017

Gadolinium-based macromolecular contrast agents (CAs) with favorable biocompatibility, targeting specificity, and high relaxivity properties are desired for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of tumors.
Highly improved performance in Zr0.5Hf0.5O2 films inserted with graphene oxide quantum dots layer for resistive switching non-volatile memory
Authors: Yan Xiaobing , Zhang Lei , Yang Yongqiang , Zhou Zhenyu , Zhao Jianhui , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Qi , Chen Jingsheng
Published: October 2017

Resistive memory (RRAM) based on a solid–electrolyte insulator is a type of critical nanoscale device with promising potential in non-volatile memory, analog circuits and neuromorphic synapse applications.
Flexible cholesteric films with super-reflectivity and high stability based on a multi-layer helical structure
Authors: Li Y. , Liu Y. J. , Dai H. T. , Zhang X. H. , Luo D. , Sun X. W.
Published: October 2017

The growing demand for flexible low-power reflective photonics and display devices has fueled research into high quality flexible materials with super-reflectivity and high stability to environmental influences including broad working temperature ranges and excellent mechanical stress insensitivity.