bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Axial Resolution of Wide-Field Two-Photon Excitation Microscopy by Line Scanning Using a Digital Micromirror Device
Authors: Park Jong , Rowlands Christopher , So Peter
Published: March 2017

Temporal focusing multiphoton microscopy is a technique for performing highly parallelized multiphoton microscopy while still maintaining depth discrimination. While the conventional wide-field configuration for temporal focusing suffers from sub-optimal axial resolution, line scanning temporal focusing, implemented here using a digital micromirror device (DMD), can provide substantial improvement. The DMD-based line scanning temporal focusing technique dynamically trades off the degree of parallelization, and hence imaging speed, for axial resolution, allowing performance parameters to be adapted to the experimental requirements. We demonstrate this new instrument in calibration specimens and in biological specimens, including a mouse kidney slice.
Camellia sinensis L. Extract and Its Potential Beneficial Effects in Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Hepatotoxic, and Anti-Tyrosinase Activities
Authors: Thitimuta Surached , Pithayanukul Pimolpan , Nithitanakool Saruth , Bavovada Rapepol , Leanpolchareanchai Jiraporn , Saparpakorn Patchreenart
Published: March 2017

The aims of this study were to investigate the potential benefits of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, and anti-tyrosinase activities of a methanolic extract of fresh tea leaves (FTE) (Camellia sinensis L.). The antioxidant capacity was investigated using three different methods at different temperatures. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied in vitro by the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase assay. The anti-hepatotoxic effect was investigated in CCl4-induced liver injury in rats. The anti-tyrosinase activities of the FTE and its principal phenolic compounds were investigated in l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) oxidation by a mushroom tyrosinase. A molecular docking study was conducted to determine how the FTE’s principal catechins interact with the tyrosinase. The FTE exhibited the best shelf life at low temperatures and demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, and anti-tyrosinase effects compared to positive references. Treatment of rats with the FTE at 2000 mg/kg/day for 28 consecutive days reversed CCl4-induced oxidative damage in hepatic tissues by lowering the levels of alanine aminotransferase by 69% and malondialdehyde by 90%. Our findings suggest that the FTE has the capacity to scavenge free radicals and can protect against oxidative stress induced by CCl4 intoxication. The docking results were consistent with our in vitro data, indicating the anti-tyrosinase potency of the principal catechins.
2D-QSAR and 3D-QSAR/CoMSIA Studies on a Series of (R)-2-((2-(1H-Indol-2-yl)ethyl)amino)-1-Phenylethan-1-ol with Human β3-Adrenergic Activity
Authors: Apablaza Gastón , Montoya Luisa , Morales-Verdejo Cesar , Mellado Marco , Cuellar Mauricio , Lagos Carlos , Soto-Delgado Jorge , Chung Hery , Pessoa-Mahana Carlos , Mella Jaime
Published: March 2017

The β3 adrenergic receptor is raising as an important drug target for the treatment of pathologies such as diabetes, obesity, depression, and cardiac diseases among others. Several attempts to obtain selective and high affinity ligands have been made. Currently, Mirabegron is the only available drug on the market that targets this receptor approved for the treatment of overactive bladder. However, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in USA and the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) in UK have made reports of potentially life-threatening side effects associated with the administration of Mirabegron, casting doubts on the continuity of this compound. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to gather information for the rational design and synthesis of new β3 adrenergic ligands. Herein, we present the first combined 2D-QSAR (two-dimensional Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship) and 3D-QSAR/CoMSIA (three-dimensional Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship/Comparative Molecular Similarity Index Analysis) study on a series of potent β3 adrenergic agonists of indole-alkylamine structure. We found a series of changes that can be made in the steric, hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor, lipophilicity and molar refractivity properties of the compounds to generate new promising molecules. Finally, based on our analysis, a summary and a regiospecific description of the requirements for improving β3 adrenergic activity is given.
Iridoids, Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Edible Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Sevast.)
Authors: Kucharska Alicja , Sokół-Łętowska Anna , Oszmiański Jan , Piórecki Narcyz , Fecka Izabela
Published: March 2017

Iridoid and polyphenol profiles of 30 different honeysuckle berry cultivars and genotypes were studied. Compounds were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS) in positive and negative ion modes and quantified by HPLC-PDA. The 50 identified compounds included 15 iridoids, 6 anthocyanins, 9 flavonols, 2 flavanonols (dihydroflavonols), 5 flavones, 6 flavan-3-ols, and 7 phenolic acids. 8-epi-Loganic acid, pentosyl-loganic acid, taxifolin 7-O-dihexoside, and taxifolin 7-O-hexoside were identified in honeysuckle berries for the first time. Iridoids and anthocyanins were the major groups of bioactive compounds of honeysuckle constituents. The total content of quantified iridoids and anthocyanins was between 128.42 mg/100 g fresh weight (fw) (‘Dlinnoplodnaya’) and 372 mg/100 g fw (‘Kuvshinovidnaya’) and between 150.04 mg/100 g fw (‘Karina’) and 653.95 mg/100 g fw (‘Amur’), respectively. Among iridoids, loganic acid was the dominant compound, and it represented between 22% and 73% of the total amount of quantified iridoids in honeysuckle berry. A very strong correlation was observed between the antioxidant potential and the quantity of anthocyanins. High content of iridoids in honeysuckle berries can complement antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds.
Determination of the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) Purifiers for Indoor Air Pollutants Using a Closed-Loop Reactor. Part I: Theoretical Considerations
Authors: Dumont Éric , Héquet Valérie
Published: March 2017

This study demonstrated that a laboratory-scale recirculation closed-loop reactor can be an efficient technique for the determination of the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of PhotoCatalytic Oxidation (PCO) air purification devices. The recirculation closed-loop reactor was modeled by associating equations related to two ideal reactors: one is a perfectly mixed reservoir and the other is a plug flow system corresponding to the PCO device itself. Based on the assumption that the ratio between the residence time in the PCO device and the residence time in the reservoir τP/τR tends to 0, the model highlights that a lab closed-loop reactor can be a suitable technique for the determination of the efficiency of PCO devices. Moreover, if the single-pass removal efficiency is lower than 5% of the treated flow rate, the decrease in the pollutant concentration over time can be characterized by a first-order decay model in which the time constant is proportional to the CADR. The limits of the model are examined and reported in terms of operating conditions (experiment duration, ratio of residence times, and flow rate ranges).
Metabolite Profiling of Eastern Teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens L.) Lipophilic Leaf Extracts with Hyaluronidase and Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Michel Piotr , Owczarek Aleksandra , Matczak Magdalena , Kosno Martyna , Szymański Paweł , Mikiciuk-Olasik Elżbieta , Kilanowicz Anna , Wesołowski Wiktor , Olszewska Monika
Published: March 2017

The phytochemical profile and anti-inflammatory activity of Gaultheria procumbens dry lipophilic leaf extracts were evaluated. Forty compounds were identified by GC-MS, representing 86.36% and 81.97% of the petroleum ether (PE) and chloroform (CHE) extracts, respectively, with ursolic acid (28.82%), oleanolic acid (10.11%), methyl benzoate (10.03%), and methyl salicylate (6.88%) dominating in CHE, and methyl benzoate (21.59%), docosane (18.86%), and octacosane (11.72%) prevailing in PE. Three components of CHE were fully identified after flash chromatography isolation and spectroscopic studies as (6S,9R)-vomifoliol (4.35%), 8-demethyl-latifolin (1.13%), and 8-demethylsideroxylin (2.25%). Hyaluronidase and lipoxygenase inhibitory activity was tested for CHE (IC50 = 282.15 ± 10.38 μg/mL and 899.97 ± 31.17 μg/mL, respectively), PE (IC50 = 401.82 ± 16.12 μg/mL and 738.49 ± 15.92 μg/mL), and nine of the main constituents versus heparin (IC50 = 366.24 ± 14.72 μg/mL) and indomethacin (IC50 = 92.60 ± 3.71 μg/mL) as positive controls. With the best activity/concentration relationships, ursolic and oleanolic acids were recommended as analytical markers for the extracts and plant material. Seasonal variation of both markers following foliar development was investigated by UHPLC-PDA. The highest levels of ursolic (5.36–5.87 mg/g DW of the leaves) and oleanolic (1.14–1.26 mg/g DW) acids were observed between August and October, indicating the optimal season for harvesting.
A Segment-Based Trajectory Similarity Measure in the Urban Transportation Systems
Authors: Mao Yingchi , Zhong Haishi , Xiao Xianjian , Li Xiaofang
Published: March 2017

With the rapid spread of built-in GPS handheld smart devices, the trajectory data from GPS sensors has grown explosively. Trajectory data has spatio-temporal characteristics and rich information. Using trajectory data processing techniques can mine the patterns of human activities and the moving patterns of vehicles in the intelligent transportation systems. A trajectory similarity measure is one of the most important issues in trajectory data mining (clustering, classification, frequent pattern mining, etc.). Unfortunately, the main similarity measure algorithms with the trajectory data have been found to be inaccurate, highly sensitive of sampling methods, and have low robustness for the noise data. To solve the above problems, three distances and their corresponding computation methods are proposed in this paper. The point-segment distance can decrease the sensitivity of the point sampling methods. The prediction distance optimizes the temporal distance with the features of trajectory data. The segment-segment distance introduces the trajectory shape factor into the similarity measurement to improve the accuracy. The three kinds of distance are integrated with the traditional dynamic time warping algorithm (DTW) algorithm to propose a new segment–based dynamic time warping algorithm (SDTW). The experimental results show that the SDTW algorithm can exhibit about 57%, 86%, and 31% better accuracy than the longest common subsequence algorithm (LCSS), and edit distance on real sequence algorithm (EDR) , and DTW, respectively, and that the sensitivity to the noise data is lower than that those algorithms.
A Novel Topology Link-Controlling Approach for Active Defense of Nodes in Networks
Authors: Li Jun , Hu HanPing , Ke Qiao , Xiong Naixue
Published: March 2017

With the rapid development of virtual machine technology and cloud computing, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, or some peak traffic, poses a great threat to the security of the network. In this paper, a novel topology link control technique and mitigation attacks in real-time environments is proposed. Firstly, a non-invasive method of deploying virtual sensors in the nodes is built, which uses the resource manager of each monitored node as a sensor. Secondly, a general topology-controlling approach of resisting the tolerant invasion is proposed. In the proposed approach, a prediction model is constructed by using copula functions for predicting the peak of a resource through another resource. The result of prediction determines whether or not to initiate the active defense. Finally, a minority game with incomplete strategy is employed to suppress attack flows and improve the permeability of the normal flows. The simulation results show that the proposed approach is very effective in protecting nodes.
Black Twitter: A Response to Bias in Mainstream Media
Authors: Lee Latoya
Published: March 2017

This paper seeks to shed light on the ways people of color, in the United States, are using social media to challenge racial bias. As part of this investigation, this paper draws on Critical Race Theory, Feminist Theory, and Digital New Media studies to examine the extent to which social media, while seen as a place for ‘play’ can also operate as a digital homespace, a space used as a tool for black women and men to (re)construct their bodies and identities, challenging the “controlling images” widespread in mainstream media and society at large. This paper employs the methods of content analysis and participant observation and find that these social media forums are not transformative by themselves but instead have little moments that make for resistance and a digital homespace.
In Vivo Crystallization of Three-Domain Cry Toxins
Authors: Adalat Rooma , Saleem Faiza , Crickmore Neil , Naz Shagufta , Shakoori Abdul
Published: March 2017

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the most successful, environmentally-friendly, and intensively studied microbial insecticide. The major characteristic of Bt is the production of proteinaceous crystals containing toxins with specific activity against many pests including dipteran, lepidopteran, and coleopteran insects, as well as nematodes, protozoa, flukes, and mites. These crystals allow large quantities of the protein toxins to remain stable in the environment until ingested by a susceptible host. It has been previously established that 135 kDa Cry proteins have a crystallization domain at their C-terminal end. In the absence of this domain, Cry proteins often need helper proteins or other factors for crystallization. In this review, we classify the Cry proteins based on their requirements for crystallization.
Implementing the Bruker MALDI Biotyper in the Public Health Laboratory for C. botulinum Neurotoxin Detection
Authors: Perry Michael , Centurioni Dominick , Davis Stephen , Hannett George , Musser Kimberlee , Egan Christina
Published: March 2017

Currently, the gold standard method for active botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) detection is the mouse bioassay (MBA). A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-developed mass spectrometry (MS)-based assay that detects active BoNT was successfully validated and implemented in a public health laboratory in clinical matrices using the Bruker MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry) Biotyper. For the first time, a direct comparison with the MBA was performed to determine MS-based assay sensitivity using the Bruker MALDI Biotyper. Mice were injected with BoNT/A, /B, /E, and /F at concentrations surrounding the established MS assay limit of detection (LOD) and analyzed simultaneously. For BoNT/B, /E, and /F, MS assay sensitivity was equivalent or better than the MBA at 25, 0.3, and 8.8 mLD50, respectively. BoNT/A was detected by the MBA between 1.8 and 18 mLD50, somewhat more sensitive than the MS method of 18 mLD50. Studies were performed to compare assay performance in clinical specimens. For all tested specimens, the MS method rapidly detected BoNT activity and serotype in agreement with, or in the absence of, results from the MBA. We demonstrate that the MS assay can generate reliable, rapid results while eliminating the need for animal testing.
Water Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, and Sustainable Water Resources Management
Authors: Megdal Sharon , Eden Susanna , Shamir Eylon
Published: March 2017

Water governance and stakeholder engagement are receiving research attention for their role in formulating and implementing solutions to the world’s critical water challenges. The inspiration for this Special Issue came from our desire to provide a platform for sharing results and informing the global water governance community about the wealth of excellent interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research and projects being carried out around the world. The 20 peer-reviewed papers collected in this Special Issue have been grouped into three categories: stakeholder engagement, tools for building water management and governance capacity, and perspectives on water management and governance. Following a brief summary of the papers, concluding remarks that reflect on what the papers, taken as a whole, contribute to our understanding are provided.
Contribution à la connaissance des Histeridae de la République du Yémen (Coleoptera)
Authors: Gomy Yves
Published: March 2017

Localités de capture de 15 espèces d'Histeridae récoltées au Yémen par M. G. de Rougemont. Description de Tribalus (Tribalus) rougemonti n.sp. 11 espèces sont citées pour la première fois du Yémen et leur origine afro-tropicale est discutée. Une espèce est citée pour la première fois de la Gambie et une autre de la Martinique. L'Holotype par monotypie de Saprinus (Saprinus) simplicifrons G. Miiller est confirmé. Saprinus (Saprinus) peezi Vienna, 1980 est mis en synonymie avec Saprinus (Saprinus) simplicifrons G. Müller, 1944.
Ceratocapnos claviculata (L.) Lidén (Papaveraceae) dans le Haut-Beaujolais
Authors: Munoz François , Dutartre Gilles , Charles Marie , Miniscloux Laurent
Published: March 2017

Nous signalons ici la présence remarquable du corydale grimpant Ceratocapnos claviculata (L.) Lidén subsp. claviculata en trois localités du Haut-Beaujolais, autour de Chênelette (Rhône) : en abondance au mont Tourvéon en 2005, observations plus locales et plus réduites à la montagne de Thion et au mont Saint-Rigaud. Cette espèce n'a jamais été mentionnée dans l'ouest lyonnais, bien que les populations présentées se situent dans des secteurs très prospectés. Après un développement sur la remarquable morphologie foliaire de cette espèce grimpante, son écologie et sa biogéographie seront décrites et discutées au regard du contexte écologique des nouvelles populations.
Eumenes mediterraneus filitosa nov. spp. de Corse (Hymenoptera Vespidae)
Authors: Gereys Bruno
Published: March 2017

L'examen de spécimens corses de E. mediterraneus Kriechbaumer montre qu'ils se distinguent de ceux de France continentale par une tendance au mélanisme du gastre et par l'extension de la couleur rougeâtre sur les fémurs postérieurs, un schéma de coloration caractérisant tous les taxons d'Eumeninae endémiques de Corse et de Sardaigne reconnus comme valides. L'examen de spécimens de E. mediterraneus provenant d'Afrique du Nord, de la péninsule Ibérique et de Turquie montre que les tendances de coloration des spécimens corses et sardes ne constituent pas l'élément d'un cline. La sous-espèce filitosa est décrite pour désigner les populations corses de E. mediterraneus.
Végétation du vallon du bois d'Ars à Limonest (Rhône, France)
Authors: Denninger Claude
Published: March 2017

Vegetation found along the narrow valley of Ars Forest, Limonest (Rhône department, France). - This narrow valley, situated on the border between Limonest and Dardilly, is remarkably biodiverse. The vegetation, at least, is extremely varied and the area still relatively wild. Species which are rare close to Lyon, such as Arum maculatum, Carex pendula, Geranium oxonianum (discovered in 2006 and new to the area), Isopyrum thalictroides, Mespilus germanica and Phyllitis scolopendrium, are found there.
Contribution à l'inventaire des Pézizales (Fungi, Ascomycota) du Lyonnais. 1e partie : situation géographique, milieux, historique et synthèse
Authors: Van Vooren Nicolas
Published: March 2017

Un premier inventaire des champignons appartenant à l'ordre des Pezizales (Ascomycota), communément appelés pézizes, est proposé pour le département du Rhône. Il se base à la fois sur les données anciennes, principalement recueillies par le Dr Philibert Riel à la fin du XIXe siècle, mais aussi sur les données de l'auteur qui prospecte régulièrement le Lyonnais. depuis une quinzaine d'années, à la recherche de discomycètes. Après la présentation des localités de prospection, l'auteur précise le contexte historique des données collectées, puis les met en perspective à travers les périodes de référence, y compris sur leur intérêt patrimonial.
CXCL5 Plays a Promoting Role in Osteosarcoma Cell Migration and Invasion in Autocrine- and Paracrine-Dependent Manners
Authors: Dang Hongsheng , Wu Wuzhou , Wang Bo , Cui Cao , Niu Juwei , Chen Jie , Chen Ziqiu , Liu Yi
Published: March 2017

CXCL5, a CXC-type chemokine, is an important attractant for granulocytic immune cells by binding to its receptor CXCR2. Recently, CXCL5/CXCR2 has been found to play an oncogenic role in many human cancers. However, the exact role of CXCL5 in osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion
has not been revealed. Here we found that the protein expression of CXCL5 was significantly increased in osteosarcoma tissues compared with that in matched adjacent nontumor tissues. Moreover, the expression of CXCL5 was significantly associated with advanced clinical stage and metastasis.
Further investigation showed that the CXCL5 expression levels were also significantly increased in osteosarcoma cell lines, including Saos-2, MG63, U2OS, and SW1353, when compared with those in normal osteoblast hFoB1.19 cells. U2OS cells were further transfected with CXCL5-specific siRNA
or overexpression plasmid. Knockdown of CXCL5 significantly suppressed U2OS cell migration and invasion. On the contrary, overexpression of CXLC5 remarkably promoted the migration and invasion of U2OS cells. Interestingly, both exogenous CXCL5 treatment and the conditioned medium of CXCL5-overexpressing
hFoB1.19 cells could also enhance the migration and invasion of U2OS cells, suggesting that the promoting role of CXCL5 in U2OS cell migration and invasion is also in a paracrine-dependent manner. According to these data, our study demonstrates that CXCL5 is upregulated in osteosarcoma and
may play an oncogenic role in osteosarcoma metastasis. Therefore, CXCL5 may become a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma treatment.
miR-202 Promotes Cell Apoptosis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Targeting HSF2
Authors: Meng Xiangrui , Chen Xiaoqi , Lu Peng , Ma Wang , Yue Dongli , Song Lijie , Fan Qingxia
Published: March 2017

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignant cancers with high mortality around the world. However, the regulatory mechanism of ESCC carcinogenesis is not completely known. Here we demonstrate the novel role of miR-202 in regulating ESCC cell apoptosis.
The analysis of data obtained from the GEO database showed that the expression of miR-202 is aberrantly decreased in tumor tissue from ESCC patients and cultured ESCC cell lines. After transfection with miR-202 mimic or inhibitor, the apoptotic capacity of ESCC cells was significantly increased
by miR-202 overexpression but reduced by miR-202 repression. We then identified HSF2 as a direct target of miR-202 with the binding site on the 3′-UTR of HSF2 mRNA in ESCC cells. The apoptosis of ESCC cells induced by the miR-202 mimic could be repressed by HSF2 overexpression. Further
studies indicated that HSF2 overexpression strongly upregulated the expression of Hsp70 at both the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, HSF2/Hsp70 suppressed ESCC cell apoptosis by preventing caspase 3 activation. In conclusion, miR-202 is a potential tumor suppressor in human ESCC and acts
by regulating the apoptosis of ESCC cells by targeting HSF2, in which caspase 3 activation is involved. This might provide a novel therapeutic target for human ESCC.
Knockdown of Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing 1 (CTHRC1) Inhibits Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition and Cellular Migration in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Liu Jianpeng , Li Wei , Liu Shunshun , Zheng Xu , Shi Lin , Zhang Weitao , Yang Hongfa
Published: March 2017

Collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1), an extracellular matrix-related protein, has been found to be upregulated in many solid tumors and contributes to tumorigenesis. We found that CTHRC1 is overexpressed in glioblastoma tissues and cells. By using the technique of RNA
interference, the expression of CTHRC1 in the human glioblastoma U-87MG cell line was downregulated, and the proliferation and migration of U-87MG cells were examined. The results showed that the knockdown of CTHRC1 exerts inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration ability of U-87MG
cells. Knockdown of CTHRC1 expression in U-87MG cells resulted in upregulation in the expression of E-cadherin and downregulation in the expression of N-cadherin, SNAIL, and Slug, suggesting that CTHRC1 inhibits glioblastoma cell migration by suppressing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
(EMT). Knockdown of CTHRC1 led to remarkably decreased β-catenin protein levels in the nucleus. These results indicate that CTHRC1 might play an important role in the development of glioblastoma and offer a candidate molecular target for glioblastoma prevention and therapy.
Induction of Apoptosis by Berberine in Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells via Downregulation of NF-κB
Authors: Li Min , Zhang Mao , Zhang Zhi-lang , Liu Ning , Han Xiao-yu , Liu Qin-cheng , Deng Wei-jun , Liao Cai-xian
Published: March 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic approaches, which causes difficulty in the development of effective drugs for the treatment of HCC. Berberine, a major ingredient ofRhizoma coptidis, is a natural alkaloid used in traditional Chinese medicine. Berberine exhibits potent antitumor activity against HCC due to its high efficiency and low toxicity. In the present study, we found that berberine sensitized HepG cells to NF-κB-mediated apoptosis. Berberine exhibited a significant antiproliferation effect on the HepG2 cells and promoted apoptosis. Both qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining revealed that berberine reduced the NF-κB p65 levels in HepG2 cells. Moreover, p65 overexpression rescued berberine-induced cell proliferation and prevented HepG2 cells from undergoing apoptosis. These results suggest that berberine inhibits the growth of HepG2 cells by promoting apoptosis through the NF-κB p65 pathway.
Downregulation of Rab23 in Prostate Cancer Inhibits Tumor Growth In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Chang Junkai , Xu Weibo , Liu Guangchao , Du Xinyi , Li Xiaodong
Published: March 2017

Rab23, a novel member of the Rab GTPase family, was found to be implicated in the progression of some human cancers. However, what role Rab23 plays in prostate cancer (PCa) remains to be illustrated. In the present study, we investigated the expression pattern and roles of Rab23 in
PCa. The study results showed that Rab23 was upregulated in PCa tissues and cell lines. Moreover, downregulation of Rab23 remarkably suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PCa cells. In addition, downregulation of Rab23 significantly downregulated the protein expression levels
of Shh and Gli1. Furthermore, we found that the Gli1 inhibitor GANT-61 greatly enhanced the suppressive effect of Rab23 downregulation on PCa cells. In conclusion, we suggested Rab23 as a potential therapeutic target for PCa treatment.
Inhibitors of PI3K/ERK1/2/p38 MAPK Show Preferential Activity Against Endocrine-Resistant Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Khajah Maitham A. , Mathew Princy M. , Luqmani Yunus A.
Published: March 2017

Current mainstream pharmacological options for the treatment of endocrine-resistant breast cancer have limitations in terms of their side effect profile and lack of discrimination between normal and cancer cells. In the current study, we assessed the responses of normal breast epithelial
cells MCF10A, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) MCF-7, and ER-silenced pII breast cancer cells to inhibitors (either individually or in combination) of downstream signaling molecules. The expression/activity of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and Akt was determined by Western blotting. Cell proliferation,
motility, and invasion were determined using MTT, wound healing, and Matrigel assays, respectively. Morphological changes in response to variation in external pH were assessed by light microscopy. Our results demonstrated that the inhibitors of ERK1/2 (PD0325901), p38 MAPK (SB203580), and
PI3K (LY294002) preferentially reduce breast cancer cell proliferation. In pII cells, they also reduced motility, invasion, and bleb formation induced by alkaline conditions. Combination treatment with lower concentrations of inhibitors was significantly more effective than single agents and
was more effective against the cancer cell lines than the normal MCF10A. In contrast, the commonly used cytotoxic agent paclitaxel did not sufficiently discriminate between the MCF10A and the cancer cells. We concluded that combination therapy using ERK1/2 inhibitor and either p38 MAPK or
PI3K inhibitor may provide a greater therapeutic benefit in treating breast cancer by specifically targeting cancer cells with lower doses of each drug than needed individually, potentially reducing unwanted side effects.
Downregulation of Calcium-Binding Protein S100A9 Inhibits Hypopharyngeal Cancer Cell Proliferation and Invasion Ability Through Inactivation of NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Wu Ping , Quan Huatao , Kang Jing , He Jian , Luo Shi , Xie Chubo , Xu Jing , Tang Yaoyun , Zhao Suping
Published: March 2017

Hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) frequently presents at an advanced stage and displays early submucosal spread, resulting in a poor prognosis. It is among the worst of all cancers in the head and neck subsites. Therefore, detection of HPC at an earlier stage would be beneficial to patients.
In this study, we used differential in-gel electrophoresis (DIGE) and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE) proteomics analysis to identify the potential biomarkers for HPC. Among the differential proteins identified, calcium-binding protein S100A9 was overexpressed in
HPC tissues compared with normal adjacent tissues, and S100A9 expression in metastatic tissues and advanced tumor tissues was higher than in nonmetastatic tissues and early tumor tissues. S100A9 expression was further confirmed in a large additional cohort. Our data showed that a higher S100A9
level was associated with a poor prognosis for HPC patients, and this may be an independent factor for predicting their prognosis. In addition, S100A9 protein expression was upregulated in human HPC cell lines compared with normal oral cavity epithelia. Knockdown of S100A9 induced significant
inhibition of cell growth and their invasive ability. Mechanically, we found that downregulation of S100A9 significantly reduced the expression of NF-κB, phosphorylation of NF-κB and Bcl-2, as well as the expression of MMP7 and MMP2. Restoration of NF-κB expression sufficiently
reversed the inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and invasion induced by S100A9 downregulation in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, for the first time, we have identified S100A9 as an independent prognostic factor for HPC. Inhibiting S100A9 expression would be a potential novel diagnostic
biomarker and therapeutic target for HPC treatment.
Inhibition of MMP-2 Expression Enhances the Antitumor Effect of Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Suppressing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Tan Wenliang , Zhu Sicong , Cao Jun , Zhang Lei , Li Wenda , Liu Kairui , Zhong Jinyi , Shang Changzhen , Chen Yajin
Published: March 2017

Sorafenib has been globally approved as the standard treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the response rate of HCC patients to sorafenib is limited because of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, seeking combined therapeutic strategies
with sorafenib is necessary to improve the antitumor efficiency. Here we demonstrated that expression of MMP-2 is positively correlated with the migration ability of HCC cells. Cells with a higher MMP-2 expression (SK-HEP-1 cells) were less sensitive to sorafenib than those with lower MMP-2
expression (HepG2 cells). Cotreatment of cells with SB-3CT and sorafenib more strongly inhibited migration ability than with sorafenib treatment alone in both HCC cells with high and low expression of MMP-2. In vivo cell metastasis experiments confirmed the synergistic effects of sorafenib
and SB-3CT in reducing lung metastasis of SK-HEP-1 cells. Mechanistically, we showed that the synergistic antitumor effect may be attributed to inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, but not the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. With these results taken together, the current study
demonstrates that inhibiting MMP-2 expression can enhance the antitumor effect of sorafenib in HCC cells with a high MMP-2 expression, which may provide a novel strategy to improve therapeutic efficiency in HCC.
Basic Transcription Factor 3 Is Required for Proliferation and Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition via Regulation of FOXM1 and JAK2/STAT3 Signaling in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang De-Zhong , Chen Bing-He , Zhang Lan-Fang , Cheng Ming-Kun , Fang Xiang-Jie , Wu Xin-Jun
Published: March 2017

Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common epithelial malignancy worldwide. Basic transcription factor 3 (BTF3) plays a crucial role in the regulation of various biological processes. We designed experiments to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the role of BTF3 in GC cell proliferation
and metastasis. We confirmed that BTF3 expression was decreased in GC tissues and several GC cell lines. Lentivirus-mediated downregulation of BTF3 reduced cell proliferation, induced S and G2/M cell cycle arrest, and increased apoptosis. Knockdown of BTF3 significantly reduced
the expression of Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1). Upregulation of FOXM1 significantly inhibited the decrease in cell proliferation due to BTF3 silencing, S and G2/M cell cycle arrest, and increase in apoptosis. Knockdown of BTF3 decreased Ki-67 and PCNA expression, whereas it increased
p27 expression, which was inhibited by upregulation of FOXM1. Knockdown of BTF3 significantly decreased the ability to invade and migrate. Moreover, knockdown of BTF3 increased E-cadherin expression, whereas it decreased N-cadherin and ZEB2 expression, indicating a decrease in epithelial‐mesenchymal
transition (EMT). Phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) was significantly inhibited by knockdown of BTF3. IL-6-stimulated phosphorylation of STAT3 and JAK2 markedly suppressed inhibition of EMT due to BTF3 silencing. Silencing of
BTF3 decreased tumor volume and weight and reduced peritoneal nodules in implanted tumors. Our findings provide a novel understanding of the mechanism of GC and highlight the important role of BTF3/FOXM1 in tumor growth and BTF3/JAK2/STAT3 in EMT and metastasis.
Synthesis of 1-indanones with a broad range of biological activity
Authors: Turek Marika , Szczęsna Dorota , Koprowski Marek , Bałczewski Piotr
Published: March 2017

This comprehensive review describes methods for the preparation of 1-indanones published in original and patent literature from 1926 to 2017. More than 100 synthetic methods utilizing carboxylic acids, esters, diesters, acid chlorides, ketones, alkynes, alcohols etc. as starting materials, have been performed. This review also covers the most important studies on the biological activity of 1-indanones and their derivatives which are potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimalarial, antibacterial and anticancer compounds. Moreover, they can be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and as effective insecticides, fungicides and herbicides.
Secular Orbit Evolution in Systems with a Strong External Perturber—A Simple and Accurate Model
Authors: Andrade-Ines Eduardo , Eggl Siegfried
Published: March 2017

We present a semi-analytical correction to the seminal solution for the secular motion of a planet’s orbit under gravitational influence of an external perturber derived by Heppenheimer. A comparison between analytical predictions and numerical simulations allows us to determine corrective factors for the secular frequency and forced eccentricity in the coplanar restricted three-body problem. The correction is given in the form of a polynomial function of the system’s parameters that can be applied to first-order forced eccentricity and secular frequency estimates. The resulting secular equations are simple, straight forward to use, and improve the fidelity of Heppenheimers solution well beyond higher-order models. The quality and convergence of the corrected secular equations are tested for a wide range of parameters and limits of its applicability are given.
The Orbits of Jupiter’s Irregular Satellites
Authors: Brozović Marina , Jacobson Robert A.
Published: March 2017

We report on the improved ephemerides for the irregular Jovian satellites. We used a combination of numerically integrated equations of motion and a weighted least-squares algorithm to fit the astrometric measurements. The orbital fits for 59 satellites are summarized in terms of state vectors, post-fit residuals, and mean orbital elements. The current data set appears to be sensitive to the mass of Himalia, which is constrained to the range of GM = 0.13–0.28 km3 s−2. Here, GM is the product of the Newtonian constant of gravitation, G and the body's mass, M. Our analysis of the orbital uncertainties indicates that 11 out of 59 satellites are lost owing to short data arcs. The lost satellites hold provisional International Astronomical Union (IAU) designations and will likely need to be rediscovered.
A 1D Model of Radial Ion Motion Interrupted by Ion–Neutral Interactionsin a Cometary Coma
Authors: Vigren E. , Eriksson A. I.
Published: March 2017

Because ion–neutral reaction cross sections are energy dependent, the distance from a cometary nucleus within which ions remain collisionally coupled to the neutrals is dictated not only by the comet’s activity level but also by the electromagnetic fields in the coma. Here we present a 1D model simulating the outward radial motion of water group ions with radial acceleration by an ambipolar electric field interrupted primarily by charge transfer processes with H2O. We also discuss the impact of plasma waves. For a given electric field profile, the model calculates key parameters, including the total ion density, n

I
, the H3O+/H2O+ number density and flux ratios, R
dens and R
flux, and the mean ion drift speed,

, as a function of cometocentric distance. We focus primarily on a coma roughly resembling that of the ESA Rosetta mission target comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko near its perihelion in 2015 August. In the presence of a weak ambipolar electric field in the radial direction the model results suggest that the neutral coma is not sufficiently dense to keep the mean ion flow speed close to that of the neutrals by the spacecraft location (∼200 km from the nucleus). In addition, for electric field profiles giving n

I
and

within limits constrained by measurements, the R
dens values are significantly higher than values typically observed. However, when including the ion motion in large-amplitude plasma waves in the model, results more compatible with observations are obtained. We suggest that the variable and often low H3O+/H2O+ number density ratios observed may reflect nonradial ion trajectories strongly influenced by electromagnetic forces and/or plasma instabilities, with energization of the ion population by plasma waves.
LOSS Revisited. I. Unraveling Correlations between Supernova Rates and Galaxy Properties, as Measured in a Reanalysis of the Lick Observatory Supernova Search
Authors: Graur Or , Bianco Federica B. , Huang Shan , Modjaz Maryam , Shivvers Isaac , Filippenko Alexei V. , Li Weidong , Eldridge J. J.
Published: March 2017

Most types of supernovae (SNe) have yet to be connected with their progenitor stellar systems. Here, we reanalyze the 10-year SN sample collected during 1998–2008 by the Lick Observatory Supernova Search (LOSS) in order to constrain the progenitors of SNe Ia and stripped-envelope SNe (SE SNe, i.e., SNe IIb, Ib, Ic, and broad-lined Ic). We matched the LOSS galaxy sample with spectroscopy from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and measured SN rates as a function of galaxy stellar mass, specific star formation rate, and oxygen abundance (metallicity). We find significant correlations between the SN rates and all three galaxy properties. The SN Ia correlations are consistent with other measurements, as well as with our previous explanation of these measurements in the form of a combination of the SN Ia delay-time distribution and the correlation between galaxy mass and age. The ratio between the SE SN and SN II rates declines significantly in low-mass galaxies. This rules out single stars as SE SN progenitors, and is consistent with predictions from binary-system progenitor models. Using well-known galaxy scaling relations, any correlation between the rates and one of the galaxy properties examined here can be expressed as a correlation with the other two. These redundant correlations preclude us from establishing causality—that is, from ascertaining which of the galaxy properties (or their combination) is the physical driver for the difference between the SE SN and SN II rates. We outline several methods that have the potential to overcome this problem in future works.
Near-Infrared Knots and Dense Fe Ejecta in the Cassiopeia A Supernova Remnant
Authors: Lee Yong-Hyun , Koo Bon-Chul , Moon Dae-Sik , Burton Michael G. , Lee Jae-Joon
Published: March 2017

We report the results of broadband (0.95–2.46 μm) near-infrared spectroscopic observations of the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant. Using a clump-finding algorithm in two-dimensional dispersed images, we identify 63 “knots” from eight slit positions and derive their spectroscopic properties. All of the knots emit [Fe ii] lines together with other ionic forbidden lines of heavy elements, and some of them also emit H and He lines. We identify 46 emission line features in total from the 63 knots and measure their fluxes and radial velocities. The results of our analyses of the emission line features based on principal component analysis show that the knots can be classified into three groups: (1) He-rich, (2) S-rich, and (3) Fe-rich knots. The He-rich knots have relatively small,

, line-of-sight speeds and radiate strong He i and [Fe ii] lines resembling closely optical quasi-stationary flocculi of circumstellar medium, while the S-rich knots show strong lines from O-burning material with large radial velocities up to

indicating that they are supernova ejecta material known as fast-moving knots. The Fe-rich knots also have large radial velocities but show no lines from O-burning material. We discuss the origin of the Fe-rich knots and conclude that they are most likely “pure” Fe ejecta synthesized in the innermost region during the supernova explosion. The comparison of [Fe ii] images with other waveband images shows that these dense Fe ejecta are mainly distributed along the southwestern shell just outside the unshocked 44Ti in the interior, supporting the presence of unshocked Fe associated with 44Ti.
Possible Evolution of the Pulsar Braking Index from Larger than Three to About One
Authors: Tong H. , Kou F. F.
Published: March 2017

The coupled evolution of pulsar rotation and inclination angle in the wind braking model is calculated. The oblique pulsar tends to align. The pulsar alignment affects its spin-down behavior. As a pulsar evolves from the magneto-dipole radiation dominated case to the particle wind dominated case, the braking index first increases and then decreases. In the early time, the braking index may be larger than three. During the following long time, the braking index is always smaller than three. The minimum braking index is about one. This can explain the existence of a high braking index larger than three and a low braking index simultaneously. The pulsar braking index is expected to evolve from larger than three to about one. The general trend is for the pulsar braking index to evolve from the Crab-like case to the Vela-like case.
Photometric Observations of Supernova 2013cq Associated with GRB 130427A
Authors: Becerra R. L. , Watson A. M. , Lee W. H. , Fraija N. , Butler N. R. , Bloom J. S. , Capone J. I. , Cucchiara A. , Diego J. A. de , Fox O. D. , Gehrels N. , Georgiev L. N. , González J. J. , Kutyrev A. S. , Littlejohns O. M. , Prochaska J. X. , Ramirez-Ruiz E. , Richer M. G. , Román-Zúñiga C. G. , Toy V. L. , Troja E.
Published: March 2017

We observed the afterglow of GRB 130427A with the Reionization and Transients Infrared Camera (RATIR) instrument on the 1.5 m Harold L. Johnson telescope of the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional in Sierra San Pedro Mártir. Our homogenous griZY JH photometry extends from the night of the burst to three years later. We fit a model for the afterglow. There is a significant positive residual that matches the behavior of SN 1998bw in the griZ filters; we suggest that this is a photometric signature of the supernova SN 2013cq associated with the Gamma-ray burst. The peak absolute magnitude of the supernova is

M

r

=
−
18.43
±
0.11

.
Checklist of British and Irish Hymenoptera - Cynipoidea
Authors: Forshage Mattias , Bowdrey Jeremy , Broad Gavin , Spooner Brian , van Veen Frank
Published: March 2017

The British and Irish checklist of Cynipoidea is revised, considerably updating the last complete checklist published in 1978. Disregarding uncertain identifications, 220 species are now known from Britain and Ireland, comprising 91 Cynipidae (including two established non-natives), 127 Figitidae and two Ibaliidae.

One replacement name is proposed, Kleidotoma thomsoni Forshage, for the secondary homonym Kleidotoma tetratoma Thomson, 1861 (nec K. tetratoma (Hartig, 1841)).
La méthode historique ou méthode déductive inverse chez John S. Mill
Authors: Fedi Laurent
Published: March 2017

John Stuart Mill étend le procédé déductif aux sciences sociales qui admettent le principe de la composition des causes. Mais il inverse la procédure lorsqu’il aborde la dynamique sociale. L’histoire ne se déduit pas directement des lois psychologiques et éthologiques mais les utilise dans une démarche de vérification. Cette méthode rassemble les garanties qui font de l’histoire une science nomologique et, comme on essaie ici de le montrer, elle permet à Mill d’échapper par anticipation aux principales objections de Karl Popper concernant les sciences à scénario.
La représentation politique chez John S. Mill
Authors: Lorrain Ludmilla
Published: March 2017

Faisant de la démocratie représentative la forme idéalement la meilleure de gouvernement, la pensée politique de Mill se distingue d’abord en tant qu’elle dépasse l’alternative généralement posée entre régime représentatif et démocratie directe. Néanmoins, la forme de gouvernement qu’il élabore pose un certain nombre de problèmes, puisque les principes sur lesquels elle repose, principe de compétence d’une part, principe de participation d’autre part, sont, au moins a priori, difficilement conciliables. Cet article entend montrer que le système politique pensé par Mill, loin d’être contradictoire, nous donne des outils solides pour penser les démocraties représentatives.
Mill et l’hypothèse communiste
Authors: Knüfer Aurélie
Published: March 2017

Dans les Principes d’économie politique (1848), puis dans son ouvrage posthume et inachevé Sur le socialisme (1879), John Stuart Mill propose une défense ambiguë du « communisme », théorie qui vise selon lui à réformer radicalement le régime de propriété. Cet article entend analyser le statut de l’expérimentation dans l’évaluation millienne de la collectivisation des moyens de production. Il donne ainsi à voir en quoi l’appel à l’expérience – d’abord à petite échelle – de l’hypothèse communiste, que l’on retrouve d’un texte à l’autre, peut se lire comme une invitation positive à réaliser cette doctrine, mais comporte en même temps des limites et des réserves profondes.