bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissecting the link between the enzymatic activity and the SaPI inducing capacity of the phage 80α dUTPase
Authors: Alite Christian , Humphrey Suzanne , Donderis Jordi , Maiques Elisa , Ciges-Tomas J. Rafael , Penadés José R. , Marina Alberto
Published: September 2017

The trimeric staphylococcal phage-encoded dUTPases (Duts) are signalling molecules that induce the cycle of some Staphylococcal pathogenicity islands (SaPIs) by binding to the SaPI-encoded Stl repressor. To perform this regulatory role, these Duts require an extra motif VI, as well as the Dut conserved motifs IV and V. While the apo form of Dut is required for the interaction with the Stl repressor, usually only those Duts with normal enzymatic activity can induce the SaPI cycle. To understand the link between the enzymatic activities and inducing capacities of the Dut protein, we analysed the structural, biochemical and physiological characteristics of the Dut80α D95E mutant, which loses the SaPI cycle induction capacity despite retaining enzymatic activity. Asp95 is located at the threefold central channel of the trimeric Dut where it chelates a divalent ion. Here, using state-of-the-art techniques, we demonstrate that D95E mutation has an epistatic effect on the motifs involved in Stl binding. Thus, ion binding in the central channel correlates with the capacity of motif V to twist and order in the SaPI-inducing disposition, while the tip of motif VI is disturbed. These alterations in turn reduce the affinity for the Stl repressor and the capacity to induce the SaPI cycle.
Matrix Analysis of Warped Stretch Imaging
Authors: Kim Chanju , Mahjoubfar Ata , Chan Jacky C. K. , Yazaki Akio , Noh Young-Chul , Jalali Bahram
Published: September 2017

Sensitive and fast optical imaging is needed for scientific instruments, machine vision, and biomedical diagnostics. Many of the fundamental challenges are addressed with time stretch imaging, which has been used for ultrafast continuous imaging for a diverse range of applications, such as biomarker-free cell classification, the monitoring of laser ablation, and the inspection of flat panel displays. With frame rates exceeding a million scans per second, the firehose of data generated by the time stretch camera requires optical data compression. Warped stretch imaging technology utilizes nonuniform spectrotemporal optical operations to compress the image in a single-shot real-time fashion. Here, we present a matrix analysis method for the evaluation of these systems and quantify important design parameters and the spatial resolution. The key principles of the system include (1) time/warped stretch transformation and (2) the spatial dispersion of ultrashort optical pulse, which are traced with simple computation of ray-pulse matrix. Furthermore, a mathematical model is constructed for the simulation of imaging operations while considering the optical and electrical response of the system. The proposed analysis method was applied to an example time stretch imaging system via simulation and validated with experimental data.
Testing Gait with Ankle-Foot Orthoses in Children with Cerebral Palsy by Using Functional Mixed-Effects Analysis of Variance
Authors: Zhang Bairu , Twycross-Lewis Richard , Großmann Heiko , Morrissey Dylan
Published: September 2017

Existing statistical methods extract insufficient information from 3-dimensional gait data, rendering clinical interpretation of impaired movement patterns sub-optimal. We propose an alternative approach based on functional data analysis that may be worthy of exploration. We apply this to gait data analysis using repeated-measurements data from children with cerebral palsy who had been prescribed fixed ankle-foot orthoses as an example. We analyze entire gait curves by means of a new functional F test with comparison to multiple pointwise F tests and also to the traditional method - univariate repeated-measurements analysis of variance of joint angle minima and maxima. The new test maintains the nominal significance level and can be adapted to test hypotheses for specific phases of the gait cycle. The main findings indicate that ankle-foot orthoses exert significant effects on coronal and sagittal plane ankle rotation; and both sagittal and horizontal plane foot rotation. The functional F test provided further information for the stance and swing phases. Differences between the results of the different statistical approaches are discussed, concluding that the novel method has potential utility and is worthy of validation through larger scale patient and clinician engagement to determine whether it is preferable to the traditional approach.
The $${{\bf{Z}}}_{{\bf{2}}}$$ toric-code and the double-semion topological order of hardcore Bose-Hubbard-type models in the strong-interaction limit
Authors: Wang Wei , Capogrosso-Sansone Barbara
Published: September 2017

We present a generic framework for the emergence of the $${{\mathbb{Z}}}_{2}$$

Z

2

toric-code and the double-semion topological order in a wide class of hardcore Bose-Hubbard-type models governed by density-density interaction and in the strong-interaction regime. We fix fractional filling factor and study under which conditions the density-density interaction gives rise to topological degeneracy. We further specify which dynamics determines the toric-code and the double-semion topological order. Our results indicate that the specifics of the density-density interaction determine the long-range entanglement of the model which possesses “restricted patterns” of the long-range entanglement realized in corresponding string-net models with the same topological order.
Lipidomes of lung cancer and tumour-free lung tissues reveal distinct molecular signatures for cancer differentiation, age, inflammation, and pulmonary emphysema
Authors: Eggers Lars F. , Müller Julia , Marella Chakravarthy , Scholz Verena , Watz Henrik , Kugler Christian , Rabe Klaus F. , Goldmann Torsten , Schwudke Dominik
Published: September 2017

Little is known about the human lung lipidome, its variability in different physiological states, its alterations during carcinogenesis and the development of pulmonary emphysema. We investigated how health status might be mirrored in the lung lipidome. Tissues were sampled for both lipidomic and histological analysis. Using a screening approach, we characterised lipidomes of lung cancer tissues and corresponding tumour-free alveolar tissues. We quantified 311 lipids from 11 classes in 43 tissue samples from 26 patients. Tumour tissues exhibited elevated levels of triacylglycerols and cholesteryl esters, as well as a significantly lower abundance of phosphatidylglycerols, which are typical lung surfactant components. Adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas were distinguished with high specificity based on lipid panels. Lipidomes of tumour biopsy samples showed clear changes depending on their histology and, in particular, their proportion of active tumour cells and stroma. Partial least squares regression showed correlations between lipid profiles of tumour-free alveolar tissues and the degree of emphysema, inflammation status, and the age of patients. Unsaturated long-chain phosphatidylserines and phosphatidylinositols showed a positive correlation with a worsened emphysema status and ageing. This work provides a resource for the human lung lipidome and a systematic data analysis strategy to link clinical characteristics and histology.
Extraordinary Transport Characteristics and Multivalue Logic Functions in a Silicon-Based Negative-Differential Transconductance Device
Authors: Lee Sejoon , Lee Youngmin , Kim Changmin
Published: September 2017

High-performance negative-differential transconductance (NDT) devices are fabricated in the form of a gated p+-i-n+ Si ultra-thin body transistor. The devices clearly display a Λ-shape transfer characteristic (i.e., Λ-NDT peak) at room temperature, and the NDT behavior is fully based on the gate-modulation of the electrostatic junction characteristics along source-channel-drain. The largest peak-to-valley current ratio of the Λ-NDT peak is greater than 104, the smallest full-width at half-maximum is smaller than 170 mV, and the best swing-slope at the Λ-NDT peak region is ~70 mV/dec. The position and the current level of the Λ-NDT peaks are systematically-controllable when modulating the junction characteristics by controlling only bias voltages at gate and/or drain. These unique features allow us to demonstrate the multivalue logic functions such as a tri-value logic and a quattro-value logic. The results suggest that the present type of the Si Λ-NDT device could be prospective for next-generation arithmetic circuits.
Novel arsenic-transforming bacteria and the diversity of their arsenic-related genes and enzymes arising from arsenic-polluted freshwater sediment
Authors: Suhadolnik Maria L. S. , Salgado Ana P. C. , Scholte Larissa L. S. , Bleicher Lucas , Costa Patrícia S. , Reis Mariana P. , Dias Marcela F. , Ávila Marcelo P. , Barbosa Francisco A. R. , Chartone-Souza Edmar , Nascimento Andréa M. A.
Published: September 2017

Bacteria are essential in arsenic cycling. However, few studies have addressed 16S rRNA and arsenic-related functional gene diversity in long-term arsenic-contaminated tropical sediment. Here, using culture-based, metagenomic and computational approaches, we describe the diversity of bacteria, genes and enzymes involved in AsIII and AsV transformation in freshwater sediment and in anaerobic AsIII- and AsV-enrichment cultures (ECs). The taxonomic profile reveals significant differences among the communities. Arcobacter, Dechloromonas, Sedimentibacter and Clostridium thermopalmarium were exclusively found in ECs, whereas Anaerobacillus was restricted to AsV-EC. Novel taxa that are both AsV-reducers and AsIII-oxidizers were identified: Dechloromonas, Acidovorax facilis, A. delafieldii, Aquabacterium, Shewanella, C. thermopalmarium and Macellibacteroides fermentans. Phylogenic discrepancies were revealed among the aioA, arsC and arrA genes and those of other species, indicating horizontal gene transfer. ArsC and AioA have sets of amino acids that can be used to assess their functional and structural integrity and familial subgroups. The positions required for AsV reduction are conserved, suggesting strong selective pressure for maintaining the functionality of ArsC. Altogether, these findings highlight the role of freshwater sediment bacteria in arsenic mobility, and the untapped diversity of dissimilatory arsenate-reducing and arsenate-resistant bacteria, which might contribute to arsenic toxicity in aquatic environments.
Assessing the ecosystem services provided by urban green spaces along urban center-edge gradients
Authors: Chang Jie , Qu Zelong , Xu Ronghua , Pan Kaixuan , Xu Bin , Min Yong , Ren Yuan , Yang Guofu , Ge Ying
Published: September 2017

Urban green spaces provide various ecosystem services, especially cultural services. Previous assessment methods depend either on hypothetic payments for ecosystems or real payments not directly related to ecosystems. In this paper, we established a method for assessing the cultural ecosystem services in any location in urban area using only two variables, green space (ecosystem) and land rent (real payment). We integrated the cultural and the regulating services into the total ecosystem services because urban green spaces provide almost no provisioning services. Results showed that the same area of green spaces near the center provided much higher cultural services than that near the urban edge; the regulating services accounted for 5% to 40% of the total ecosystem services from the center to the edge of urban area; along the center-edge gradient, there was a threshold out which the ecosystem services were lower than the maintenance cost of green spaces.
The parathyroid hormone regulates skin tumour susceptibility in mice
Authors: Okumura Kazuhiro , Saito Megumi , Yoshizawa Yasuhiro , Munakata Haruka , Isogai Eriko , Miura Ikuo , Wakana Shigeharu , Yamaguchi Midori , Shitara Hiroshi , Taya Choji , Karaplis Andrew C. , Kominami Ryo , Wakabayashi Yuichi
Published: September 2017

Using a forward genetics approach to map loci in a mouse skin cancer model, we previously identified a genetic locus, Skin tumour modifier of MSM 1 (Stmm1) on chromosome 7, conferring strong tumour resistance. Sub-congenic mapping localized Parathyroid hormone (Pth) in Stmm1b. Here, we report that serum intact-PTH (iPTH) and a genetic polymorphism in Pth are important for skin tumour resistance. We identified higher iPTH levels in sera from cancer-resistant MSM/Ms mice compared with susceptible FVB/NJ mice. Therefore, we performed skin carcinogenesis experiments with MSM-BAC transgenic mice (PthMSM-Tg) and Pth knockout heterozygous mice (Pth+/−). As a result, the higher amounts of iPTH in sera conferred stronger resistance to skin tumours. Furthermore, we found that the coding SNP (rs51104087, Val28Met) localizes in the mouse Pro-PTH encoding region, which is linked to processing efficacy and increased PTH secretion. Finally, we report that PTH increases intracellular calcium in keratinocytes and promotes their terminal differentiation. Taken together, our data suggest that Pth is one of the genes responsible for Stmm1, and serum iPTH could serve as a prevention marker of skin cancer and a target for new therapies.
Caring Cooperators and Powerful Punishers: Differential Effects of Induced Care and Power Motivation on Different Types of Economic Decision Making
Authors: Chierchia G. , Lesemann F. H. Parianen , Snower D. , Vogel M. , Singer T.
Published: September 2017

Standard economic theory postulates that decisions are driven by stable context-insensitive preferences, while motivation psychology suggests they are driven by distinct context-sensitive motives with distinct evolutionary goals and characteristic psycho-physiological and behavioral patterns. To link these fields and test how distinct motives could differentially predict different types of economic decisions, we experimentally induced participants with either a Care or a Power motive, before having them take part in a suite of classic game theoretical paradigms involving monetary exchange. We show that the Care induction alone raised scores on a latent factor of cooperation-related behaviors, relative to a control condition, while, relative to Care, Power raised scores on a punishment-related factor. These findings argue against context-insensitive stable preferences and theories of strong reciprocity and in favor of a motive-based approach to economic decision making: Care and Power motivation have a dissociable fingerprint in shaping either cooperative or punishment behaviors.
Discovery of carotenoid red-shift in endolithic cyanobacteria from the Atacama Desert
Authors: Vítek Petr , Ascaso Carmen , Artieda Octavio , Casero María Cristina , Wierzchos Jacek
Published: September 2017

The biochemical responses of rock-inhabiting cyanobacteria towards native environmental stresses were observed in vivo in one of the Earth’s most challenging extreme climatic environments. The cryptoendolithic cyanobacterial colonization, dominated by Chroococcidiopsis sp., was studied in an ignimbrite at a high altitude volcanic area in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Change in the carotenoid composition (red-shift) within a transect through the cyanobacteria dominant microbial community (average thickness ~1 mm) was unambiguously revealed in their natural endolithic microhabitat. The amount of red shifted carotenoid, observed for the first time in a natural microbial ecosystem, is depth dependent, and increased with increasing proximity to the rock surface, as proven by resonance Raman imaging and point resonance Raman profiling. It is attributed to a light-dependent change in carotenoid conjugation, associated with the light-adaptation strategy of cyanobacteria. A hypothesis is proposed for the possible role of an orange carotenoid protein (OCP) mediated non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) mechanism that influences the observed spectral behavior. Simultaneously, information about the distribution of scytonemin and phycobiliproteins was obtained. Scytonemin was detected in the uppermost cyanobacteria aggregates. A reverse signal intensity gradient of phycobiliproteins was registered, increasing with deeper positions as a response of the cyanobacterial light harvesting complex to low-light conditions.
The Vicissicaudata revisited – insights from a new aglaspidid arthropod with caudal appendages from the Furongian of China
Authors: Lerosey-Aubril Rudy , Zhu Xuejian , Ortega-Hernández Javier
Published: September 2017

Cambrian marine ecosystems were dominated by arthropods, and more specifically artiopods. Aglaspidids represent an atypical group amongst them, not the least because they evolved and rapidly diversified during the late Cambrian, a time interval between the two diversification events of the Early Palaeozoic. Recent phylogenetic analyses have retrieved aglaspidids within the Vicissicaudata, a potentially important, but difficult to define clade of artiopods. Here we describe a new aglaspidid from the Furongian Guole Konservat-Lagerstätte of South China. This taxon displays a pretelsonic segment bearing non-walking appendages, features as-yet known in all vicissicaudatans, but aglaspidids. A new comprehensive phylogenetic analysis provides strong support for the legitimacy of a monophyletic clade Vicissicaudata, and demonstrates the pertinence of new characters to define Aglaspidida. It also motivates important changes to the systematics of the phylum, including the elevation of Artiopoda to the rank of subphylum, and the establishment of a new superclass Vicissicaudata and a new aglaspidid family Tremaglaspididae. Two diversification pulses can be recognized in the early history of artiopods – one in the early Cambrian (trilobitomorphs) and the other in the late Cambrian (vicissicaudatans). The discrepancy between this pattern and that traditionally depicted for marine invertebrates in the Early Palaeozoic is discussed.
Elevated UMOD methylation level in peripheral blood is associated with gout risk
Authors: Yang Yong , Chen Xiaoying , Hu Haochang , Jiang Yuting , Yu Hang , Dai Jie , Mao Yiyi , Duan Shiwei
Published: September 2017

Uromodulin (UMOD) encodes an uromodulin glycoprotein, and its mutation results in uromodulin glycoprotein dysfunction and the occurrence of gout. The aim of our study was to assess whether UMOD methylation could predict the risk of gout. A total of 89 sporadic gout cases and 103 age and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited in this study. UMOD methylation level was determined by quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) in peripheral blood, and the percentage of methylated reference (PMR) was described to represent the methylation level. Our results showed that UMOD methylation was significantly higher in gout cases than controls (median: 1.45 versus 0.75, P < 0.001). The area under curve (AUC) of UMOD methylation in gout was 0.764 (P = 2.90E-10) with a sensitivity of 65.2% and a specificity of 88.3%. UMOD methylation level was shown to be significantly correlated with the serum level of uric acid (UA) (r = −0.208, P = 0.035). Besides, the luciferase reporter assay showed that UMOD CpG island region was able to upregulate gene expression (fold change = 2, P = 0.004). In conclusion, UMOD methylation assessment might be used to predict the occurrence of gout.
A scaling law for distinct electrocaloric cooling performance in low-dimensional organic, relaxor and anti-ferroelectrics
Authors: Shi Yuping , Huang Limin , Soh Ai Kah , Weng George J. , Liu Shuangyi , Redfern Simon A. T.
Published: September 2017

Electrocaloric (EC) materials show promise in eco-friendly solid-state refrigeration and integrable on-chip thermal management. While direct measurement of EC thin-films still remains challenging, a generic theoretical framework for quantifying the cooling properties of rich EC materials including normal-, relaxor-, organic- and anti-ferroelectrics is imperative for exploiting new flexible and room-temperature cooling alternatives. Here, we present a versatile theory that combines Master equation with Maxwell relations and analytically relates the macroscopic cooling responses in EC materials with the intrinsic diffuseness of phase transitions and correlation characteristics. Under increased electric fields, both EC entropy and adiabatic temperature changes increase quadratically initially, followed by further linear growth and eventual gradual saturation. The upper bound of entropy change (∆Smax) is limited by distinct correlation volumes (V
cr
) and transition diffuseness. The linearity between V
cr
and the transition diffuseness is emphasized, while ∆Smax = 300 kJ/(K.m3) is obtained for Pb0.8Ba0.2ZrO3. The ∆Smax in antiferroelectric Pb0.95Zr0.05TiO3, Pb0.8Ba0.2ZrO3 and polymeric ferroelectrics scales proportionally with V
cr
−2.2, owing to the one-dimensional structural constraint on lattice-scale depolarization dynamics; whereas ∆Smax in relaxor and normal ferroelectrics scales as ∆Smax ~ V
cr
−0.37, which tallies with a dipolar interaction exponent of 2/3 in EC materials and the well-proven fractional dimensionality of 2.5 for ferroelectric domain walls.
VEGF expression correlates with neuronal differentiation and predicts a favorable prognosis in patients with neuroblastoma
Authors: Weng Wen-Chin , Lin Kuan-Hung , Wu Pei-Yi , Ho Ya-Hsuan , Liu Yen-Lin , Wang Bo-Jeng , Chen Chien-Chin , Lin Yueh-Chien , Liao Yung-Feng , Lee Wang-Tso , Hsu Wen-Ming , Lee Hsinyu
Published: September 2017

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood cancer with a low survival rate and great metastatic potential. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an angiogenesis factor, has been found to be involved in CRT-related neuronal differentiation of NB cells. In this study, we further confirmed the role VEGF in NB through mouse xenograft model and clinical analysis from NB patients. In xenograft experiments, CRT overexpression effectively inhibited the tumor growth. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of VEGF and differentiation marker GAP-43 were upregulated by induced CRT expression. However, no significant correlation between the expression level of VEGF and microvessel density was observed in human NB tumors, suggesting a novel mechanism of VEGF participating in NB tumorigenesis through an angiogenesis-independent pathway. In NB patients’ samples, mRNA expression levels of CRT and VEGF were positively correlated. Furthermore, positive VEGF expression by immunostaining of NB tumors was found to correlate well with histological grade of differentiation and predicted a favorable prognosis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that VEGF is a favorable prognostic factor of NB and might affect NB tumor behavior through CRT-driven neuronal differentiation rather than angiogenesis that might shed light on a novel therapeutic strategy to improve the outcome of NB.
Genome-wide functional analysis reveals that autophagy is necessary for growth, sporulation, deoxynivalenol production and virulence in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Lv Wuyun , Wang Chunyan , Yang Nan , Que Yawei , Talbot Nicholas J. , Wang Zhengyi
Published: September 2017

Autophagy is a conserved cellular recycling and trafficking pathway in eukaryotic cells and has been reported to be important in the virulence of a number of microbial pathogens. Here, we report genome-wide identification and characterization of autophagy-related genes (ATGs) in the wheat pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum. We identified twenty-eight genes associated with the regulation and operation of autophagy in F. graminearum. Using targeted gene deletion, we generated a set of 28 isogenic mutants. Autophagy mutants were classified into two groups by differences in their growth patterns. Radial growth of 18 Group 1 ATG mutants was significantly reduced compared to the wild-type strain PH-1, while 10 Group 2 mutants grew normally. Loss of any of the ATG genes, except FgATG17, prevented the fungus from causing Fusarium head blight disease. Moreover, subsets of autophagy genes were necessary for asexual/sexual differentiation and deoxynivalenol (DON) production, respectively. FgATG1 and FgATG5 were investigated in detail and showed severe defects in autophagy. Taken together, we conclude that autophagy plays a critical role in growth, asexual/sexual sporulation, deoxynivalenol production and virulence in F. graminearum.
Agerarin, identified from Ageratum houstonianum, stimulates circadian CLOCK-mediated aquaporin-3 gene expression in HaCaT keratinocytes
Authors: Shin Soon Young , Lee Da Hyun , Gil Ha-Na , Kim Beom Soo , Choe Jeong-Sook , Kim Jung-Bong , Lee Young Han , Lim Yoongho
Published: September 2017

The juice of Ageratum houstonianum is used in folk medicine as an external wound healing aid for skin injuries. However, the active component of A. houstonianum and its mode of action in skin wound healing has not been investigated. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of A. houstonianum ethanolnolic extract (AHE) on the expression of aquaporin-3 (AQP3), an integral membrane protein for water and glycerol transport in keratinocytes, and to identify the structure of the A. houstonianum bioactive compound. Here, we show that AHE increased AQP3 gene expression at the transcriptional level through the p38 MAPK pathway in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, AHE ameliorated suppression of AQP3 expression caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. Agerarin (6,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene) was identified as the bioactive compound responsible for the up-regulation of AQP3 expression by enhancing the expression of the transcription factor circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK). In conclusion, agerarin is a bioactive compound in AHE responsible for CLOCK-mediated AQP3 expression in keratinocytes.
Stress Granules Contain Rbfox2 with Cell Cycle-related mRNAs
Authors: Park Chungoo , Choi Sunkyung , Kim Yong-Eun , Lee Siyeo , Park Su-Hyung , Adelstein Robert S. , Kawamoto Sachiyo , Kim Kee K.
Published: September 2017

Rbfox RNA-binding proteins play important roles in the regulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing, but their role in other gene regulatory mechanisms is not well understood. Here, we show that Rbfox2 is a novel constituent of cytoplasmic stress granules, the translational silencing machinery assembled in response to cellular stress. We also show that the RNA binding activity of the Rbfox family protein is crucial for its localization into stress granules. To investigate the role of Rbfox2 in stress granules we used RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing to identify cytoplasmic transcriptome-wide targets of Rbfox2. We report that a subset of cell cycle-related genes including retinoblastoma 1 is the target of Rbfox2 in cytoplasmic stress granules, and Rbfox2 regulates the retinoblastoma 1 mRNA and protein expression levels during and following stress exposure. Our study proposes a novel function for Rbfox2 in cytoplasmic stress granules.
KDM4A regulates HIF-1 levels through H3K9me3
Authors: Dobrynin Grzegorz , McAllister Tom E. , Leszczynska Katarzyna B. , Ramachandran Shaliny , Krieg Adam J. , Kawamura Akane , Hammond Ester M.
Published: September 2017

Regions of hypoxia (low oxygen) occur in most solid tumours and cells in these areas are the most aggressive and therapy resistant. In response to decreased oxygen, extensive changes in gene expression mediated by Hypoxia-Inducible Factors (HIFs) contribute significantly to the aggressive hypoxic tumour phenotype. In addition to HIFs, multiple histone demethylases are altered in their expression and activity, providing a secondary mechanism to extend the hypoxic signalling response. In this study, we demonstrate that the levels of HIF-1α are directly controlled by the repressive chromatin mark, H3K9me3. In conditions where the histone demethylase KDM4A is depleted or inactive, H3K9me3 accumulates at the HIF-1α locus, leading to a decrease in HIF-1α mRNA and a reduction in HIF-1α stabilisation. Loss of KDM4A in hypoxic conditions leads to a decreased HIF-1α mediated transcriptional response and correlates with a reduction in the characteristics associated with tumour aggressiveness, including invasion, migration, and oxygen consumption. The contribution of KDM4A to the regulation of HIF-1α is most robust in conditions of mild hypoxia. This suggests that KDM4A can enhance the function of HIF-1α by increasing the total available protein to counteract any residual activity of prolyl hydroxylases.
Interface topology for distinguishing stages of sintering
Authors: Okuma Gaku , Kadowaki Daiki , Hondo Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Satoshi , Wakai Fumihiro
Published: September 2017

Sintering is a common process during which nanoparticles and microparticles are bonded, leading to the shrinkage of interstitial pore space. Understanding morphological evolution during sintering is a challenge, because pore structures are elusive and very complex. A topological model of sintering is presented here, providing insight for understanding 3-D microstructures observed by X-ray microtomography. We find that the topological evolution is described by Euler characteristics as a function of relative density. The result is general, and applicable not only to viscous sintering of glasses but also to sintering of crystalline particles. It provides criteria to distinguish the stages of sintering, and the foundations to identify the range of applicability of the methods for determining the thermodynamic driving force of sintering.
CD161 identifies polyfunctional Th1/Th17 cells in the genital mucosa that are depleted in HIV-infected female sex workers from Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Boily-Larouche Geneviève , Omollo Kenneth , Cheruiyot Julianna , Njoki Jane , Kimani Makobu , Kimani Joshua , Oyugi Julius , Lajoie Julie , Fowke Keith R.
Published: September 2017

CD161 identifies a subset of circulating Th17 cells that are depleted in the blood and gut of HIV-infected individuals. In the female reproductive tract (FRT), the pattern of CD161 expression on CD4+ cells remains unknown. Here, we characterized CD161 expression in the FRT of Kenyan female sex workers (FSW). Compared to the blood, CD161+CD4+ T cells were enriched in the FRT of uninfected FSWs. These cells were depleted in FRT of HIV-infected FSWs. Cervical CD161+ cells harboured an activated phenotype (CD69, CD95, HLA-DR) with elevated expression of tissue-homing markers (CCR6, β7 integrin) and HIV co-receptor (CCR5). Mitogen-stimulated production of IL-17 confirmed the Th17 commitment of CD161+CD4+ T cells in the FRT with a predominance of polyfunctional Th1/Th17 cells. Here, we showed that the expression of CD161 on CD4+T cells is modulated at the FRT, but still identified a highly activated cellular subset, which differentiates into pro-inflammatory Th1/Th17 cells, expresses multiple HIV susceptibility markers and are depleted in HIV-infected individuals. The use of CD161 as a biomarker of HIV targets in the FRT reduces the need for functional assessment of cells and could have important implications in better understanding HIV pathogenesis and Th17 fate in the FRT of high-risk women.
Intermittent hypoxia-induced insulin resistance is associated with alterations in white fat distribution
Authors: Poulain Laureline , Mathieu Hervé , Thomas Amandine , Borel Anne-Laure , Remy Chantal , Levy Patrick , Arnaud Claire , Dematteis Maurice
Published: September 2017

Sleep apnea syndrome is characterized by repetitive upper airway collapses during night leading to intermittent hypoxia (IH). The latter is responsible for metabolic disturbances that rely, at least in part, on abdominal white fat inflammation. Besides qualitative alterations, we hypothesized that IH could also modify body fat distribution, a key factor for metabolic complications. C57BL6 mice exposed to IH (21–5% FiO2, 60 s cycle, 8 h/day) or air for 6 weeks were investigated for topographic fat alterations (whole-body MRI). Specific role of epididymal fat in IH-induced metabolic dysfunctions was assessed in lipectomized or sham-operated mice exposed to IH or air. Whereas total white fat volume was unchanged, IH induced epididymal adipose tissue (AT) loss with non-significant increase in subcutaneous and mesenteric fat. This was associated with impaired insulin sensitivity and secretion. Epididymal lipectomy led to increased subcutaneous fat in the perineal compartment and prevented IH-induced metabolic disturbances. IH led to reduced epididymal AT and impaired glucose regulation. This suggests that, rather than epididymal AT volume, qualitative fat alterations (i.e. inflammation) could represent the main determinant of metabolic dysfunction. This deterioration of glucose regulation was prevented in epididymal-lipectomized mice, possibly through prevention of IH-induced epididymal AT alterations and compensatory increase in subcutaneous AT.
Spraying Brassinolide improves Sigma Broad tolerance in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) through modulation of antioxidant activity and photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Yuan Xiang-Yang , Zhang Li-Guang , Huang Lei , Yang Hui-Jie , Zhong Yan-Ting , Ning Na , Wen Yin-Yuan , Dong Shu-Qi , Song Xi-E , Wang Hong-Fu , Guo Ping-Yi
Published: September 2017

To explore the role of Brassinolide (BR) in improving the tolerance of Sigma Broad in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.), effects of 0.1 mg/L of BR foliar application 24 h before 3.37 g/ha of Sigma Broad treatment at five-leaf stage of foxtail millet on growth parameters, antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), chlorophyll, net photosynthetic rate (PN), chlorophyll fluorescence and P700 parameters were studied 7 and 15 d after herbicide treatment, respectively. Results showed that Sigma Broad significantly decreased plant height, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), chlorophyll content, PN, PS II effective quantum yield (Y (II)), PS II electron transport rate (ETR (II)), photochemical quantum yield of PSI(Y (I)) and PS I electron transport rate ETR (I), but significantly increased MDA. Compared to herbicide treatment, BR dramatically increased plant height, activities of SOD, Y (II), ETR (II), Y (I) and ETR (I). This study showed BR pretreatment could improve the tolerance of Sigma Broad in foxtail millet through improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes, keeping electron transport smooth, and enhancing actual photochemical efficiency of PS II and PSI.
High resolution multibeam and hydrodynamic datasets of tidal channels and inlets of the Venice Lagoon
Authors: Madricardo Fantina , Foglini Federica , Kruss Aleksandra , Ferrarin Christian , Pizzeghello Nicola Marco , Murri Chiara , Rossi Monica , Bajo Marco , Bellafiore Debora , Campiani Elisabetta , Fogarin Stefano , Grande Valentina , Janowski Lukasz , Keppel Erica , Leidi Elisa , Lorenzetti Giuliano , Maicu Francesco , Maselli Vittorio , Mercorella Alessandra , Montereale Gavazzi Giacomo , Minuzzo Tiziano , Pellegrini Claudio , Petrizzo Antonio , Prampolini Mariacristina , Remia Alessandro , Rizzetto Federica , Rovere Marzia , Sarretta Alessandro , Sigovini Marco , Sinapi Luigi , Umgiesser Georg , Trincardi Fabio
Published: September 2017

Tidal channels are crucial for the functioning of wetlands, though their morphological properties, which are relevant for seafloor habitats and flow, have been understudied so far. Here, we release a dataset composed of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) extracted from a total of 2,500 linear kilometres of high-resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) data collected in 2013 covering the entire network of tidal channels and inlets of the Venice Lagoon, Italy. The dataset comprises also the backscatter (BS) data, which reflect the acoustic properties of the seafloor, and the tidal current fields simulated by means of a high-resolution three-dimensional unstructured hydrodynamic model. The DTMs and the current fields help define how morphological and benthic properties of tidal channels are affected by the action of currents. These data are of potential broad interest not only to geomorphologists, oceanographers and ecologists studying the morphology, hydrodynamics, sediment transport and benthic habitats of tidal environments, but also to coastal engineers and stakeholders for cost-effective monitoring and sustainable management of this peculiar shallow coastal system.
Climatologies at high resolution for the earth’s land surface areas
Authors: Karger Dirk Nikolaus , Conrad Olaf , Böhner Jürgen , Kawohl Tobias , Kreft Holger , Soria-Auza Rodrigo Wilber , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Linder H. Peter , Kessler Michael
Published: September 2017

High-resolution information on climatic conditions is essential to many applications in environmental and ecological sciences. Here we present the CHELSA (Climatologies at high resolution for the earth’s land surface areas) data of downscaled model output temperature and precipitation estimates of the ERA-Interim climatic reanalysis to a high resolution of 30 arc sec. The temperature algorithm is based on statistical downscaling of atmospheric temperatures. The precipitation algorithm incorporates orographic predictors including wind fields, valley exposition, and boundary layer height, with a subsequent bias correction. The resulting data consist of a monthly temperature and precipitation climatology for the years 1979–2013. We compare the data derived from the CHELSA algorithm with other standard gridded products and station data from the Global Historical Climate Network. We compare the performance of the new climatologies in species distribution modelling and show that we can increase the accuracy of species range predictions. We further show that CHELSA climatological data has a similar accuracy as other products for temperature, but that its predictions of precipitation patterns are better.
AmphiBIO, a global database for amphibian ecological traits
Authors: Oliveira Brunno Freire , São-Pedro Vinícius Avelar , Santos-Barrera Georgina , Penone Caterina , Costa Gabriel C.
Published: September 2017

Current ecological and evolutionary research are increasingly moving from species- to trait-based approaches because traits provide a stronger link to organism’s function and fitness. Trait databases covering a large number of species are becoming available, but such data remains scarce for certain groups. Amphibians are among the most diverse vertebrate groups on Earth, and constitute an abundant component of major terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. They are also facing rapid population declines worldwide, which is likely to affect trait composition in local communities, thereby impacting ecosystem processes and services. In this context, we introduce AmphiBIO, a comprehensive database of natural history traits for amphibians worldwide. The database releases information on 17 traits related to ecology, morphology and reproduction features of amphibians. We compiled data from more than 1,500 literature sources, and for more than 6,500 species of all orders (Anura, Caudata and Gymnophiona), 61 families and 531 genera. This database has the potential to allow unprecedented large-scale analyses in ecology, evolution, and conservation of amphibians.
A Fe-OSA/Nafion composite film-decorated glassy carbon electrode as a sensor for detection of Pb(ii), Cd(ii) and Cu(ii)
Authors: Sha Haitao , Wu Yunhai , Fan Yiang
Published: September 2017

A glassy carbon electrode decorated with Fe-OSA was successfully fabricated and its application in electrochemical detection of heavy ions was investigated.
NaH promoted [4+3] annulation of crotonate-derived sulfur ylides with thioaurones: synthesis of 2,5-dihydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[3,2-b]oxepines
Authors: Zhang Youquan , Yu Aimin , Jia Jiru , Ma Shanshan , Li Ke , Wei Yin , Meng Xiangtai
Published: September 2017

The [4+3] annulation reaction of crotonic acid derivative sulfur ylides with thioaurones has, for the first time, been reported using NaH as the base. A diverse array of 2,5-dihydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[3,2-b]oxepines is obtained in good to excellent yields. The proposed mechanism is investigated and supported by DFT calculations.
Nickel hexacyanoferrate/carbon composite as a high-rate and long-life cathode material for aqueous hybrid energy storage
Authors: Zhang Dapeng , Zhang Junshu , Yang Zengxu , Ren Xiaochuan , Mao Hongzhi , Yang Xianfeng , Yang Jian , Qian Yitai
Published: September 2017

A nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF)/carbon composite is prepared to realize reduced structure vacancies and enhanced conductivity simultaneously.
Specific and spatial labeling of choline-containing teichoic acids in Streptococcus pneumoniae by click chemistry
Authors: Di Guilmi A. M. , Bonnet J. , Peiβert S. , Durmort C. , Gallet B. , Vernet T. , Gisch N. , Wong Y.-S.
Published: September 2017

A choline metabolic pathway was exploited to label for the first time teichoic acid (TA) in the Streptococcus pneumoniae cell wall.
MOF-derived iron as an active energy storage material for intermediate-temperature solid oxide iron–air redox batteries
Authors: Zhang Cuijuan , Huang Kevin
Published: September 2017

We here demonstrate that the iron derived from an iron-based metal–organic framework (MOF), with exposed high-density Fe-atom planes, exhibits improved reduction activity, enabling good rechargeability of solid oxide iron–air redox batteries at 500 °C.
Fast and scalable synthesis of strontium niobates with controlled stoichiometry
Authors: Gómez Rojas Omar , Song Ge , Hall Simon R.
Published: September 2017

An ionic liquid/dextran blend is used to synthesise strontium niobates with exceptional control over stoichiometry.
Prediction of the stability of the rhombohedral phase in IV–VI monochalcogenides and its origin
Authors: Argaman Uri , Abutbul Ran E. , Segev Elad , Makov Guy
Published: September 2017

Rhombohedral GeSe and SnSe are predicted to be the stable ground state structures.
Sm/Ti co-substituted bismuth ferrite multiferroics: reciprocity between tetragonality and piezoelectricity
Authors: Jha Pardeep K. , Jha Priyanka A. , Singh Prabhakar , Ranjan Rajeev , Dwivedi R. K.
Published: September 2017

BiFeO3 (BFO) systems co-modified with Ti, Sm and Sm–Ti have been investigated for piezoelectricity together with dielectric and multiferroic properties.
First-principles studies on the effects of halogen adsorption on monolayer antimony
Authors: Yeoh Keat Hoe , Yoon Tiem Leong , Ong Duu Sheng , Lim Thong Leng , Zuntu Abdullahi Yusuf
Published: September 2017

Using first-principles calculations, we have carried out a comprehensive study on the electronic, magnetic and structural properties of halogenated β-phase antimonene.
Adsorption of molecular hydrogen on coronene with a new potential energy surface
Authors: Bartolomei Massimiliano , Pérez de Tudela Ricardo , Arteaga Kilian , González-Lezana Tomás , Hernández Marta I. , Campos-Martínez José , Villarreal Pablo , Hernández-Rojas Javier , Bretón José , Pirani Fernando
Published: September 2017

Adsorption of molecular hydrogen on coronene studied with a new potential energy surface. Path integral Monte Carlo and basin-hopping calculations have been performed to investigate energies and structures of the corresponding (H2)N-coronene clusters.
Coherent evolution of singlet spin states in PHOTO-PHIP and M2S experiments
Authors: Pravdivtsev A. N. , Yurkovskaya A. V. , Petrov P. A. , Vieth H.-M.
Published: September 2017

Observing the free evolution of a pure singlet state allows one to obtain a 2D ZQ spectrum (ΔJ spectrum).
Use of NH (A3Π–X3Σ−) sonoluminescence for diagnostics of nonequilibrium plasma produced by multibubble cavitation
Authors: Pflieger Rachel , Ouerhani Temim , Belmonte Thierry , Nikitenko Sergey I.
Published: September 2017

The sonoluminescence spectrum of an aqueous ammonia solution allows the characterization of the nonequilibrium plasma produced by multibubble cavitation.
Microscopic rigidity and heterogeneity of ionic liquids probed by stochastic molecular librations of the dissolved nitroxides
Authors: Ivanov Mikhail Yu. , Krumkacheva Olesya A. , Dzuba Sergei A. , Fedin Matvey V.
Published: September 2017

We propose a new potent approach for studying nano/microscopic heterogeneities in ionic liquids exploiting stochastic librations of nitroxides and pulse EPR.
Singlet oxygen formation in bio-inspired synthesis of a hollow Ag@AgBr photocatalyst for microbial and chemical decontamination
Authors: Zhang S. , Zhang H. , Wang S. , Liu L. , Liu S.
Published: September 2017

Singlet oxygen has been identified as a contributor to the degradation of contaminants using biosynthesised hollow Ag@AgBr catalysts.
The mechanism for catalytic hydrosilylation by bis(imino)pyridine iron olefin complexes supported by broken symmetry density functional theory
Authors: Lam Yan Choi , Nielsen Robert J. , Goddard William A. , Dash Aswini K.
Published: September 2017

Broken-symmetry DFT supports a concerted migration of hydrogen from silane to olefin as the rate-determing step.
Spin-state-correlated optical properties of copper(ii)–nitroxide based molecular magnets
Authors: Barskaya Irina Yu. , Veber Sergey L. , Suturina Elizaveta A. , Sherin Peter S. , Maryunina Kseniya Yu. , Artiukhova Natalia A. , Tretyakov Evgeny V. , Sagdeev Renad Z. , Ovcharenko Victor I. , Gritsan Nina P. , Fedin Matvey V.
Published: September 2017

Pronounced thermochromism of copper(ii)–nitroxide based molecular magnets is explained.
Long-term protein packaging in cholinium-based ionic liquids: improved catalytic activity and enhanced stability of cytochrome c against multiple stresses
Authors: Bisht Meena , Mondal Dibyendu , Pereira Matheus M. , Freire Mara G. , Venkatesu P. , Coutinho J. A. P.
Published: September 2017

Cholinium-based ionic liquids are shown to be promising packaging media of Cyt c with >50 fold enhancement in the enzyme activity and improved stability against multiple stresses.
Characterization of SiO2nanoparticles by single particle-inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS/MS)
Authors: Bolea-Fernandez Eduardo , Leite Diego , Rua-Ibarz Ana , Balcaen Lieve , Aramendía Maite , Resano Martín , Vanhaecke Frank
Published: September 2017

The development of an ICP-MS/MS method for interference-free Si determination allows for chemical characterization of SiO2nanoparticles.
Skeletal muscle-on-a-chip: an in vitro model to evaluate tissue formation and injury
Authors: Agrawal Gaurav , Aung Aereas , Varghese Shyni
Published: September 2017

We introduce a microfluidic platform in which we culture three-dimensional skeletal muscle tissues, while evaluating tissue formation and toxin-induced muscle injury.
Image-based feedback and analysis system for digital microfluidics
Authors: Vo Philippe Q. N. , Husser Mathieu C. , Ahmadi Fatemeh , Sinha Hugo , Shih Steve C. C.
Published: September 2017

A new feedback and biological analysis system for digital microfluidics that uses an imaging based setup.
Characterization of degradation products of regorafenib by LC-QTOF-MS and NMR spectroscopy: investigation of rearrangement and odd-electron ion formation during collision-induced dissociations under ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Baira Shandilya Mahamuni , Srinivasulu Gannoju , Nimbalkar Rakesh , Garg Prabha , Srinivas R. , Talluri M. V. N. Kumar
Published: September 2017

Characterization of degradation products of regorafenib by LC-QTOF-MS and NMR.
Preparation and utilization of a sub-5 nm PbO2colloid as an excellent co-catalyst for Pt-based catalysts toward ethanol electro-oxidation
Authors: Yang Wei-Hua , Zhang Qin-Hao , Wang Hong-Hui , Zhou Zhi-You , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: September 2017

A facile well-dispersed Pt black–PbO2hybrid catalyst exhibits significantly enhanced electrocatalytic activity and durability for ethanol oxidation.
Negative Gaussian curvature induces significant suppression of thermal conduction in carbon crystals
Authors: Zhang Zhongwei , Chen Jie , Li Baowen
Published: September 2017

From the mathematic category of surface Gaussian curvature, carbon allotropes can be classified into three types: zero curvature, positive curvature, and negative curvature.
Scalable synthesis of SnS2/S-doped graphene composites for superior Li/Na-ion batteries
Authors: Zheng Penglun , Dai Zhengfei , Zhang Yu , Dinh Khang Ngoc , Zheng Yun , Fan Haosen , Yang Jun , Dangol Raksha , Li Bing , Zong Yun , Yan Qingyu , Liu Xiaobo
Published: September 2017

A facile dissolution–regeneration strategy is proposed to construct large-scale flexible SnS2/sulfur-doped graphene composites as anodes for LIBs and SIBs.