bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potent neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against Ebola virus infection
Authors: Zhang Qi , Gui Miao , Niu Xuefeng , He Shihua , Wang Ruoke , Feng Yupeng , Kroeker Andrea , Zuo Yanan , Wang Hua , Wang Ying , Li Jiade , Li Chufang , Shi Yi , Shi Xuanling , Gao George F. , Xiang Ye , Qiu Xiangguo , Chen Ling , Zhang Linqi
Published: May 2016

Ebola virus infections cause a deadly hemorrhagic disease for which no vaccines or therapeutics has received regulatory approval. Here we show isolation of three (Q206, Q314 and Q411) neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the surface glycoprotein (GP) of Ebola virus identified in West Africa in 2014 through sequential immunization of Chinese rhesus macaques and antigen-specific single B cell sorting. These mAbs demonstrated potent neutralizing activities against both pseudo and live Ebola virus independent of complement. Biochemical, single particle EM, and mutagenesis analysis suggested Q206 and Q411 recognized novel epitopes in the head while Q314 targeted the glycan cap in the GP1 subunit. Q206 and Q411 appeared to influence GP binding to its receptor NPC1. Treatment with these mAbs provided partial but significant protection against disease in a mouse model of Ebola virus infection. These novel mAbs could serve as promising candidates for prophylactic and therapeutic interventions against Ebola virus infection.
Effects of ADMA on gene expression and metabolism in serum-starved LoVo cells
Authors: Zheng Ningning , Wang Ke , He Jiaojiao , Qiu Yunping , Xie Guoxiang , Su Mingming , Jia Wei , Li Houkai
Published: May 2016

Serum starvation is a typical way for inducing tumor cell apoptosis and stress. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous metabolite. Our previous study reveals the plasma ADMA level is elevated in colon cancer patients, which can attenuate serum starvation-induced apoptosis in LoVo cells. In current study, we evaluated the effects of ADMA on gene expression and metabolism in serum-starved LoVo cells with gene microarray and metabolomic approaches. Our results indicated that 96 h serum starvation induced comprehensive alterations at transcriptional level, and most of them were restored by ADMA. The main signaling pathways induced by serum starvation included cancers-related pathways, pathways in cell death, apoptosis, and cell cycle etc. Meanwhile, the metabolomic data showed serum-starved cells were clearly separated with control cells, but not with ADMA-treated cells in PCA model. The identified differential metabolites indicated serum starvation significantly suppressed TCA cycle, altered glucose and fatty acids metabolism, as well as nucleic acids metabolism. However, very few differential metabolites were identified between ADMA and serum-starved cells. In summary, our current results indicated serum starvation profoundly altered the gene expression and metabolism of LoVo cells, whereas ADMA could restore most of the changes at transcriptional level, but not at metabolic level.
Dynamic allocation and transfer of non-structural carbohydrates, a possible mechanism for the explosive growth of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla)
Authors: Song Xinzhang , Peng Changhui , Zhou Guomo , Gu Honghao , Li Quan , Zhang Chao
Published: May 2016

Moso bamboo can rapidly complete its growth in both height and diameter within only 35–40 days after shoot emergence. However, the underlying mechanism for this “explosive growth” remains poorly understood. We investigated the dynamics of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) in shoots and attached mature bamboos over a 20-month period. The results showed that Moso bamboos rapidly completed their height and diameter growth within 38 days. At the same time, attached mature bamboos transferred almost all the NSCs of their leaves, branches and especially trunks and rhizomes to the “explosively growing” shoots via underground rhizomes for the structural growth and metabolism of shoots. Approximately 4 months after shoot emergence, this transfer stopped when the leaves of the young bamboos could independently provide enough photoassimilates to meet the carbon demands of the young bamboos. During this period, the NSC content of the leaves, branches, trunks and rhizomes of mature bamboos declined by 1.5, 23, 28 and 5 fold, respectively. The trunk contributed the most NSCs to the shoots. Our findings provide new insight and a possible rational mechanism explaining the “explosive growth” of Moso bamboo and shed new light on understanding the role of NSCs in the rapid growth of Moso bamboo.
Revealing the role of oxidation state in interaction between nitro/amino-derived particulate matter and blood proteins
Authors: Liu Zhen , Li Ping , Bian Weiwei , Yu Jingkai , Zhan Jinhua
Published: May 2016

Surface oxidation states of ultrafine particulate matter can influence the proinflammatory responses and reactive oxygen species levels in tissue. Surface active species of vehicle-emission soot can serve as electron transfer-mediators in mitochondrion. Revealing the role of surface oxidation state in particles-proteins interaction will promote the understanding on metabolism and toxicity. Here, the surface oxidation state was modeled by nitro/amino ligands on nanoparticles, the interaction with blood proteins were evaluated by capillary electrophoresis quantitatively. The nitro shown larger affinity than amino. On the other hand, the affinity to hemoglobin is 103 times larger than that to BSA. Further, molecular docking indicated the difference of binding intensity were mainly determined by hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonds. These will deepen the quantitative understanding of protein-nanoparticles interaction from the perspective of surface chemical state.
Task modulation of disyllabic spoken word recognition in Mandarin Chinese: a unimodal ERP study
Authors: Huang Xianjun , Yang Jin-Chen , Chang Ruohan , Guo Chunyan
Published: May 2016

Using unimodal auditory tasks of word-matching and meaning-matching, this study investigated how the phonological and semantic processes in Chinese disyllabic spoken word recognition are modulated by top-down mechanism induced by experimental tasks. Both semantic similarity and word-initial phonological similarity between the primes and targets were manipulated. Results showed that at early stage of recognition (~150–250 ms), an enhanced P2 was elicited by the word-initial phonological mismatch in both tasks. In ~300–500 ms, a fronto-central negative component was elicited by word-initial phonological similarities in the word-matching task, while a parietal negativity was elicited by semantically unrelated primes in the meaning-matching task, indicating that both the semantic and phonological processes can be involved in this time window, depending on the task requirements. In the late stage (~500–700 ms), a centro-parietal Late N400 was elicited in both tasks, but with a larger effect in the meaning-matching task than in the word-matching task. This finding suggests that the semantic representation of the spoken words can be activated automatically in the late stage of recognition, even when semantic processing is not required. However, the magnitude of the semantic activation is modulated by task requirements.
Management of bipolar disorder in the intercontinental region: an international, multicenter, non-interventional, cross-sectional study in real-life conditions
Authors: Samalin Ludovic , Vieta Eduard , Okasha Tarek Ahmed , Uddin MM. Jalal , Ahmadi Abhari Seyed Ali , Nacef Fethi , Mishyiev Vyacheslav , Aizenberg Dovi , Ratner Yaël , Melas-Melt Lydie , Sedeki Idir , Llorca Pierre Michel
Published: May 2016

Most of the existing data on real-life management of bipolar disorder are from studies conducted in western countries (mostly United States and Europe). This multinational, observational cohort study aimed to describe the management and clinical outcomes of bipolar patients in real-life conditions across various intercontinental countries (Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Tunisia, and Ukraine). Data on socio-demographic and disease characteristics, current symptomatology, and pharmacological treatment were collected. Comparisons between groups were performed using standard statistical tests. Overall, 1180 patients were included. The median time from initial diagnosis was 80 months. Major depressive disorder was the most common initial diagnosis. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics were the most common drugs being prescribed at the time of the study. Antidepressants (mainly selective serotonin uptake inhibitors [SSRIs]) were administered to 36.1% of patients. Patients with bipolar I disorder received higher number of antipsychotics and anxiolytics than those with bipolar II disorder (p < 0.001). Presence of depressive symptoms was associated with an increase in antidepressant use (p < 0.001). Bipolar disorder real-life management practice, irrespective of region, shows a delay in diagnosis and an overuse of antidepressants. Clinical decision-making appears to be based on a multidimensional approach related to current symptomatology and type of bipolar disorder.
Self-cleaning and antibiofouling enamel surface by slippery liquid-infused technique
Authors: Yin JiaLi , Mei May Lei , Li QuanLi , Xia Rong , Zhang ZhiHong , Chu Chun Hung
Published: May 2016

We aimed to create a slippery liquid-infused enamel surface with antibiofouling property to prevent dental biofilm/plaque formation. First, a micro/nanoporous enamel surface was obtained by 37% phosphoric acid etching. The surface was then functionalized by hydrophobic low-surface energy heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetra- hydrodecyltrichlorosilane. Subsequent infusion of fluorocarbon lubricants (Fluorinert FC-70) into the polyfluoroalkyl-silanized rough surface resulted in an enamel surface with slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS). The results of water contact angle measurement, diffuse-reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscope confirmed that the SLIPS was successfully constructed on the enamel surface. The antibiofouling property of the SLIPS was evaluated by the adsorption of salivary protein of mucin and Streptococcus mutans in vitro, as well as dental biofilm formation using a rabbit model in vivo. The results showed that the SLIPS on the enamel surface significantly inhibited mucin adhesion and S. mutans biofilm formation in vitro and inhibited dental plaque formation in vivo.
Molecular Mechanism for Conformational Dynamics of Ras·GTP Elucidated from In-Situ Structural Transition in Crystal
Authors: Matsumoto Shigeyuki , Miyano Nao , Baba Seiki , Liao Jingling , Kawamura Takashi , Tsuda Chiemi , Takeda Azusa , Yamamoto Masaki , Kumasaka Takashi , Kataoka Tohru , Shima Fumi
Published: May 2016

Ras•GTP adopts two interconverting conformational states, state 1 and state 2, corresponding to inactive and active forms, respectively. However, analysis of the mechanism for state transition was hampered by the lack of the structural information on wild-type Ras state 1 despite its fundamental nature conserved in the Ras superfamily. Here we solve two new crystal structures of wild-type H-Ras, corresponding to state 1 and state 2. The state 2 structure seems to represent an intermediate of state transition and, intriguingly, the state 1 crystal is successfully derived from this state 2 crystal by regulating the surrounding humidity. Structural comparison enables us to infer the molecular mechanism for state transition, during which a wide range of hydrogen-bonding networks across Switch I, Switch II and the α3-helix interdependently undergo gross rearrangements, where fluctuation of Tyr32, translocation of Gln61, loss of the functional water molecules and positional shift of GTP play major roles. The NMR-based hydrogen/deuterium exchange experiments also support this transition mechanism. Moreover, the unveiled structural features together with the results of the biochemical study provide a new insight into the physiological role of state 1 as a stable pool of Ras•GTP in the GDP/GTP cycle of Ras.
Circulating Zinc-α2-glycoprotein levels and Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Lai Yerui , Chen Jinhua , Li Ling , Yin Jingxia , He Junying , Yang Mengliu , Jia Yanjun , Liu Dongfang , Liu Hua , Liao Yong , Yang Gangyi
Published: May 2016

The aim of study was to assess the relationship between zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) and androgen excess with insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women. 99 PCOS women and 100 healthy controls were recruited. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC) was preformed to assess their insulin sensitivity. Circulating ZAG was determined with an ELISA kit. In healthy subjects, circulating ZAG levels exhibited a characteristic diurnal rhythm in humans, with a major nocturnal rise occurring between midnight and early morning. Circulating ZAG and M-value were much lower in PCOS women than in the controls. In all population, overweight/obese subjects had significantly lower circulating ZAG levels than lean individuals. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that only M-value and the area under the curve for glucose were independently related factors to circulating ZAG in PCOS women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that circulating ZAG was significantly associated with PCOS even after controlling for anthropometric variables, blood pressure, lipid profile and hormone levels. The PCOS women with high ZAG had fewer MetS, IGT and polycystic ovaries as compared with the low ZAG PCOS women. Taken together, circulating ZAG levels are reduced in women with PCOS and ZAG may be a cytokine associated with insulin resistance in PCOS women.
Improving classification of mature microRNA by solving class imbalance problem
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Xiaoye , Tao Bairui
Published: May 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~20–25 nucleotides non-coding RNAs, which regulated gene expression in the post-transcriptional level. The accurate rate of identifying the start sit of mature miRNA from a given pre-miRNA remains lower. It is noting that the mature miRNA prediction is a class-imbalanced problem which also leads to the unsatisfactory performance of these methods. We improved the prediction accuracy of classifier using balanced datasets and presented MatFind which is used for identifying 5′ mature miRNAs candidates from their pre-miRNA based on ensemble SVM classifiers with idea of adaboost. Firstly, the balanced-dataset was extract based on K-nearest neighbor algorithm. Secondly, the multiple SVM classifiers were trained in orderly using the balance datasets base on represented features. At last, all SVM classifiers were combined together to form the ensemble classifier. Our results on independent testing dataset show that the proposed method is more efficient than one without treating class imbalance problem. Moreover, MatFind achieves much higher classification accuracy than other three approaches. The ensemble SVM classifiers and balanced-datasets can solve the class-imbalanced problem, as well as improve performance of classifier for mature miRNA identification. MatFind is an accurate and fast method for 5′ mature miRNA identification.
PD-L1 polymorphism can predict clinical outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with first-line paclitaxel-cisplatin chemotherapy
Authors: Lee Shin Yup , Jung Deuk Kju , Choi Jin Eun , Jin Cheng Cheng , Hong Mi Jeong , Do Sook Kyung , Kang Hyo-Gyoung , Lee Won Kee , Seok Yangki , Lee Eung Bae , Jeong Ji Yun , Shin Kyung Min , Yoo Seung Soo , Lee Jaehee , Cha Seung Ick , Kim Chang Ho , Park Jae Yong
Published: May 2016

This study was conducted to investigate whether polymorphisms of genes involved in immune checkpoints can predict the clinical outcomes of patients with advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after 1st line paclitaxel-cisplatin chemotherapy. A total of 379 NSCLC patients were enrolled. Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 genes were selected and genotyped. The associations of SNPs with chemotherapy response and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Among the 12 SNPs investigated, PD-L1 rs2297136T > C and rs4143815C > G were significantly associated with clinical outcomes after chemotherapy. The rs2297136T > C was significantly associated with both better chemotherapy response and better OS, and the rs4143815C > G had a significantly better response to chemotherapy. Consistent with the individual genotype analyses, rs2297136C-rs4143815G haplotype (ht4) carrying variant alleles at both loci was significantly associated with better chemotherapy response and OS compared with combined other haplotypes. Patients with at least one ht4 had significantly better chemotherapy response and OS compared to those without ht4. PD-L1 rs2297136T > C and rs4143815C > G polymorphisms may be useful for the prediction of clinical outcome of 1st line paclitaxel-cisplatin chemotherapy in NSCLC. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to understand the role of PD-L1 in the chemotherapy outcome of NSCLC patients.
Ultrafast dynamics of quasiparticles and coherent acoustic phonons in slightly underdoped (BaK)Fe2As2
Authors: Lin Kung-Hsuan , Wang Kuan-Jen , Chang Chung-Chieh , Wen Yu-Chieh , Lv Bing , Chu Ching-Wu , Wu Maw-Kuen
Published: May 2016

We have utilized ultrafast optical spectroscopy to study carrier dynamics in slightly underdoped (BaK)Fe2As2 crystals without magnetic transition. The photoelastic signals due to coherent acoustic phonons have been quantitatively investigated. According to our temperature-dependent results, we found that the relaxation component of superconducting quasiparticles persisted from the superconducting state up to at least 70 K in the normal state. Our findings suggest that the pseudogaplike feature in the normal state is possibly the precursor of superconductivity. We also highlight that the pseudogap feature of K-doped BaFe2As2 is different from that of other iron-based superconductors, including Co-doped or P-doped BaFe2As2.
Efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight heparin in patients with sepsis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Fan Yu , Jiang Menglin , Gong Dandan , Zou Chen
Published: May 2016

Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is part of standard supportive care. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of LMWH in septic patients. We searched Pubmed, Embase, CKNI and Wanfang database prior to July 2015 for randomized controlled trials investigating treatment with LMWH in septic patients. We identified 11 trials involving 594 septic patients. Meta-analysis showed that LMWH significantly reduced prothrombin time (mean differences [MD] −0.88; 95% CI −1.47 to −0.29), APACHE II score (MD −2.50; 95% CI −3.55 to −1.46), and 28-day mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.72; 95% CI 0.57–0.91) as well as increased the platelet counts (MD 18.33; 95% CI 0.73–35.93) than the usual treatment. However, LMWH did not reduce D-dimer (MD −0.34; 95% CI −0.85 to 0.18). LMWH also significantly increased the bleeding events (RR 3.82; 95% CI 1.81–8.08). LMWH appears to reduce 28-day mortality and APACHE II score among septic patients. Bleeding complications should be monitored during the LMWH treatment. As for limited data about LMWH and sepsis in the English literature, only trials published in the Chinese were included in the meta-analysis.
Imaging of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy with Bivalent 99mTc-Hydroxamamide Complexes
Authors: Iikuni Shimpei , Ono Masahiro , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Matsumura Kenji , Yoshimura Masashi , Kimura Hiroyuki , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Okamoto Yoko , Ihara Masafumi , Saji Hideo
Published: May 2016

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), characterized by the deposition of amyloid aggregates in the walls of cerebral vasculature, is a major factor in intracerebral hemorrhage and vascular cognitive impairment and is also associated closely with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We previously reported 99mTc-hydroxamamide (99mTc-Ham) complexes with a bivalent amyloid ligand showing high binding affinity for β-amyloid peptide (Aβ(1–42)) aggregates present frequently in the form in AD. In this article, we applied them to CAA-specific imaging probes and evaluated their utility for CAA-specific imaging. In vitro inhibition assay using Aβ(1–40) aggregates deposited mainly in CAA and a brain uptake study were performed for 99mTc-Ham complexes and all 99mTc-Ham complexes with an amyloid ligand showed binding affinity for Aβ(1–40) aggregates and very low brain uptake. In vitro autoradiography of human CAA brain sections and ex vivo autoradiography of Tg2576 mice were carried out for bivalent 99mTc-Ham complexes ([99mTc]SB2A and [99mTc]BT2B) and they displayed excellent labeling of Aβ depositions in human CAA brain sections and high affinity and selectivity to CAA in transgenic mice. These results may offer new possibilities for the development of clinically useful CAA-specific imaging probes based on the 99mTc-Ham complex.
microRNA expression profiling on individual breast cancer patients identifies novel panel of circulating microRNA for early detection
Authors: Hamam Rimi , Ali Arwa M. , Alsaleh Khalid A. , Kassem Moustapha , Alfayez Musaed , Aldahmash Abdullah , Alajez Nehad M.
Published: May 2016

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer type and the second cause of cancer-related death among women. Therefore, better understanding of breast cancer tumor biology and the identification of novel biomarkers is essential for the early diagnosis and for better disease stratification and management choices. Herein we developed a novel approach which relies on the isolation of circulating microRNAs through an enrichment step using speed-vacuum concentration which resulted in 5-fold increase in microRNA abundance. Global miRNA microarray expression profiling performed on individual samples from 23 BC and 9 normals identified 18 up-regulated miRNAs in BC patients (p(corr) < 0.05). Nine miRNAs (hsa-miR-4270, hsa-miR-1225-5p, hsa-miR-188-5p, hsa-miR-1202, hsa-miR-4281, hsa-miR-1207-5p, hsa-miR-642b-3p, hsa-miR-1290, and hsa-miR-3141) were subsequently validated using qRT-PCR in a cohort of 46 BC and 14 controls. The expression of those microRNAs was overall higher in patients with stage I, II, and III, compared to stage IV, with potential utilization for early detection. The expression of this microRNA panel was slightly higher in the HER2 and TN compared to patients with luminal subtype. Therefore, we developed a novel approach which led to the identification of a novel microRNA panel which was upregulated in BC patients with potential utilization in disease diagnosis and stratification.
Simultaneous deactivation of FAK and Src improves the pathology of hypertrophic scar
Authors: Su Linlin , Li Xiaodong , Wu Xue , Hui Bo , Han Shichao , Gao Jianxin , Li Yan , Shi Jihong , Zhu Huayu , Zhao Bin , Hu Dahai
Published: May 2016

Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a serious fibrotic skin condition with currently no satisfactory therapy due to undefined molecular mechanism. FAK and Src are two important non-receptor tyrosine kinases that have been indicated in HS pathogenesis. Here we found both FAK and Src were activated in HS vs. normal skin (NS), NS fibroblasts treated with TGF-β1 also exhibited FAK/Src activation. Co-immunoprecipitation and dual-labelled immunofluorescence revealed an enhanced FAK-Src association and co-localization in HS vs. NS. To examine effects of FAK/Src activation and their interplay on HS pathogenesis, site-directed mutagenesis followed by gene overexpression was conducted. Results showed only simultaneous overexpression of non-phosphorylatable mutant FAK Y407F and phosphomimetic mutant Src Y529E remarkably down-regulated the expression of Col I, Col III and α-SMA in cultured HS fibroblasts, alleviated extracellular matrix deposition and made collagen fibers more orderly in HS tissue vs. the effect from single transfection with wild-type or mutational FAK/Src. Glabridin, a chemical found to block FAK-Src complex formation in cancers, exhibited therapeutic effects on HS pathology probably through co-deactivation of FAK/Src which further resulted in FAK-Src de-association. This study suggests FAK-Src complex could serve as a potential molecular target and FAK/Src double deactivation might be a novel strategy for HS therapy.
Peroxisomes are platforms for cytomegalovirus’ evasion from the cellular immune response
Authors: Magalhães Ana Cristina , Ferreira Ana Rita , Gomes Sílvia , Vieira Marta , Gouveia Ana , Valença Isabel , Islinger Markus , Nascimento Rute , Schrader Michael , Kagan Jonathan C. , Ribeiro Daniela
Published: May 2016

The human cytomegalovirus developed distinct evasion mechanisms from the cellular antiviral response involving vMIA, a virally-encoded protein that is not only able to prevent cellular apoptosis but also to inhibit signalling downstream from mitochondrial MAVS. vMIA has been shown to localize at mitochondria and to trigger their fragmentation, a phenomenon proven to be essential for the signalling inhibition. Here, we demonstrate that vMIA is also localized at peroxisomes, induces their fragmentation and inhibits the peroxisomal-dependent antiviral signalling pathway. Importantly, we demonstrate that peroxisomal fragmentation is not essential for vMIA to specifically inhibit signalling downstream the peroxisomal MAVS. We also show that vMIA interacts with the cytoplasmic chaperone Pex19, suggesting that the virus has developed a strategy to highjack the peroxisomal membrane proteins’ transport machinery. Furthermore, we show that vMIA is able to specifically interact with the peroxisomal MAVS. Our results demonstrate that peroxisomes constitute a platform for evasion of the cellular antiviral response and that the human cytomegalovirus has developed a mechanism by which it is able to specifically evade the peroxisomal MAVS-dependent antiviral signalling.
Marked variation between winter and spring gut microbiota in free-ranging Tibetan Macaques (Macaca thibetana)
Authors: Sun Binghua , Wang Xi , Bernstein Sofi , Huffman Michael A. , Xia Dong-Po , Gu Zhiyuan , Chen Rui , Sheeran Lori K. , Wagner R. S , Li Jinhua
Published: May 2016

Variation in the availability and distribution of food resources is a strong selective pressure on wild primates. We explored variation in Tibetan macaque gut microbiota composition during winter and spring seasons. Our results showed that gut microbial composition and diversity varied by season. In winter, the genus Succinivibrio, which promotes the digestion of cellulose and hemicellulose, was significantly increased. In spring, the abundance of the genus Prevotella, which is associated with digestion of carbohydrates and simple sugars, was significantly increased. PICRUSt analysis revealed that the predicted metagenomes related to the glycan biosynthesis and metabolic pathway was significantly increased in winter samples, which would aid in the digestion of glycan extracted from cellulose and hemicellulose. The predicted metagenomes related to carbohydrate and energy metabolic pathways were significantly increased in spring samples, which could facilitate a monkey’s recovery from acute energy loss experienced during winter. We propose that shifts in the composition and function of the gut microbiota provide a buffer against seasonal fluctuations in energy and nutrient intake, thus enabling these primates to adapt to variations in food supply and quality.
TGF-β Signaling Regulates Cementum Formation through Osterix Expression
Authors: Choi Hwajung , Ahn Yu-Hyun , Kim Tak-Heun , Bae Cheol-Hyeon , Lee Jeong-Chae , You Hyung-Keun , Cho Eui-Sic
Published: May 2016

TGF-β/BMPs have widely recognized roles in mammalian development, including in bone and tooth formation. To define the functional relevance of the autonomous requirement for TGF-β signaling in mouse tooth development, we analyzed osteocalcin-Cre mediated Tgfbr2 (OCCreTgfbr2fl/fl) conditional knockout mice, which lacks functional TGF-β receptor II (TβRII) in differentiating cementoblasts and cementocytes. Strikingly, OCCreTgfbr2fl/fl mutant mice exhibited a sharp reduction in cellular cementum mass with reduced matrix secretion and mineral apposition rates. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the roles of TGF-β signaling through TβRII in cementogenesis, we established a mouse cementoblast model with decreased TβRII expression using OCCM-30 cells. Interestingly, the expression of osterix (Osx), one of the major regulators of cellular cementum formation, was largely decreased in OCCM-30 cells lacking TβRII. Consequently, in those cells, functional ALP activity and the expression of genes associated with cementogenesis were reduced and the cells were partially rescued by Osx transduction. We also found that TGF-β signaling directly regulates Osx expression through a Smad-dependent pathway. These findings strongly suggest that TGF-β signaling plays a major role as one of the upstream regulators of Osx in cementoblast differentiation and cementum formation.
Predictors for mortality from respiratory failure in a general population
Authors: Kobayashi Maki , Shibata Yoko , Inoue Sumito , Igarashi Akira , Sato Kento , Sato Masamichi , Nemoto Takako , Abe Yuki , Nunomiya Keiko , Nishiwaki Michiko , Tokairin Yoshikane , Kimura Tomomi , Daimon Makoto , Makino Naohiko , Watanabe Tetsu , Konta Tsuneo , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Kato Takeo , Kayama Takamasa , Kubota Isao
Published: May 2016

Risk factors for death from respiratory failure in the general population are not established. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of individuals who die of respiratory failure in a Japanese general population. In total, 3253 adults aged 40 years or older participated in annual health check in Takahata, Yamagata, Japan from 2004 to 2006. Subject deaths through the end of 2010 were reviewed; 27 subjects died of respiratory failure (pneumonia, n = 22; COPD, n = 1; pulmonary fibrosis, n = 3; and bronchial asthma, n = 1). Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that male sex; higher age, high levels of D-dimer and fibrinogen; lower body mass index (BMI) and total cholesterol; and history of stroke and gastric ulcer were independent risk factors for respiratory death. On analysis with C-statistics, net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement, addition of the disease history and laboratory data significantly improved the model prediction for respiratory death using age and BMI. In conclusion, we identified risk factors for mortality from respiratory failure in a prospective cohort of a Japanese general population. Men who were older, underweight, hypocholesterolemic, hypercoagulo-fibrinolytic and had a history of stroke or gastric ulcer had a higher risk of mortality due to respiratory failure.
ON and OFF retinal ganglion cells differentially regulate serotonergic and GABAergic activity in the dorsal raphe nucleus
Authors: Zhang Ting , Huang Lu , Zhang Li , Tan Minjie , Pu Mingliang , Pickard Gary E. , So Kwok-Fai , Ren Chaoran
Published: May 2016

The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), the major source of serotonergic input to the forebrain, receives excitatory input from the retina that can modulate serotonin levels and depressive-like behavior. In the Mongolian gerbil, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with alpha-like morphological and Y-like physiological properties innervate the DRN with ON DRN-projecting RGCs out numbering OFF DRN-projecting RGCs. The DRN neurons targeted by ON and OFF RGCs are unknown. To explore retino-raphe anatomical organization, retinal afferents labeled with Cholera toxin B were examined for association with the postsynaptic protein PSD-95. Synaptic associations between retinal afferents and DRN serotonergic and GABAergic neurons were observed. To explore retino-raphe functional organization, light-evoked c-fos expression was examined. Light significantly increased the number of DRN serotonergic and GABAergic cells expressing c-Fos. When ON RGCs were rendered silent while enhancing the firing rate of OFF RGCs, c-Fos expression was greatly increased in DRN serotonergic neurons suggesting that OFF DRN-projecting RGCs predominately activate serotonergic neurons whereas ON DRN-projecting RGCs mainly target GABAergic neurons. Direct glutamatergic retinal input to DRN 5-HT neurons contributes to the complex excitatory drive regulating these cells. Light, via the retinoraphe pathway can modify DRN 5-HT neuron activity which may play a role in modulating affective behavior.
Evidence of weak localization in quantum interference effects observed in epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 ultrathin films
Authors: Niu Wei , Gao Ming , Wang Xuefeng , Song Fengqi , Du Jun , Wang Xinran , Xu Yongbing , Zhang Rong
Published: May 2016

Quantum interference effects (QIEs) dominate the appearance of low-temperature resistivity minimum in colossal magnetoresistance manganites. The T1/2 dependent resistivity under high magnetic field has been evidenced as electron-electron (e-e) interaction. However, the evidence of the other source of QIEs, weak localization (WL), still remains insufficient in manganites. Here we report on the direct experimental evidence of WL in QIEs observed in the single-crystal La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) ultrathin films deposited by laser molecular beam epitaxy. The sharp cusps around zero magnetic field in magnetoresistance measurements is unambiguously observed, which corresponds to the WL effect. This convincingly leads to the solid conclusion that the resistivity minima at low temperatures in single-crystal manganites are attributed to both the e-e interaction and the WL effect. Moreover, the temperature-dependent phase-coherence length corroborates the WL effect of LSMO ultrathin films is within a two-dimensional localization theory.
Early clearance of Chikungunya virus in children is associated with a strong innate immune response
Authors: Simarmata Diane , Ng David Chun Ern , Kam Yiu-Wing , Lee Bernett , Sum Magdline Sia Henry , Her Zhisheng , Chow Angela , Leo Yee-Sin , Cardosa Jane , Perera David , Ooi Mong H. , Ng Lisa F. P.
Published: May 2016

Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) is a global infectious disease which can affect a wide range of age groups. The pathological and immunological response upon Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection have been reported over the last few years. However, the clinical profile and immune response upon CHIKV infection in children remain largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and immunological response, focusing on the cytokine/chemokine profile in a CHIKV-infected pediatric cohort from Sarawak, Malaysia. Unique immune mediators triggered upon CHIKV infection were identified through meta-analysis of the immune signatures between this pediatric group and cohorts from previous outbreaks. The data generated from this study revealed that a broad spectrum of cytokines/chemokines is up-regulated in a sub-group of virus-infected children stratified according to their viremic status during hospitalization. Furthermore, different immune mediator profiles (the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and growth and other factors) were observed between children and adults. This study gives an important insight to understand the immune response of CHIKV infection in children and would aid in the development of better prognostics and clinical management for children.
Luminescence and luminescence quenching of highly efficient Y2Mo4O15:Eu3+ phosphors and ceramics
Authors: Janulevicius Matas , Marmokas Paulius , Misevicius Martynas , Grigorjevaite Julija , Mikoliunaite Lina , Sakirzanovas Simas , Katelnikovas Arturas
Published: May 2016

A good LED phosphor must possess strong enough absorption, high quantum yields, colour purity and quenching temperatures. Our synthesized Y2Mo4O15:Eu3+ phosphors possess all of these properties. Excitation of these materials with near-UV or blue radiation yields bright red emission and the colour coordinates are relatively stable upon temperature increase. Furthermore, samples doped with 50% Eu3+ showed quantum yields up to 85%, what is suitable for commercial application. Temperature dependent emission spectra revealed that heavily Eu3+ doped phosphors possess stable emission up to 400 K and lose half of the efficiency only at 515 K. In addition, ceramic disks of Y2Mo4O15:75%Eu3+ phosphor with thickness of 0.71 and 0.98 mm were prepared and it turned out that they efficiently convert radiation of 375 and 400 nm LEDs to the red light, whereas combination with 455 nm LED yields purple colour.
LASP1-S100A11 axis promotes colorectal cancer aggressiveness by modulating TGFβ/Smad signaling
Authors: Niu Ya , Shao Ziyun , Wang Hui , Yang Jiaqi , Zhang Feifei , Luo Yuhao , Xu Lijun , Ding Yanqing , Zhao Liang
Published: May 2016

LIM and SH3 protein 1(LASP1) can promote colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and metastasis, but the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we show that LASP1 interacts with S100 calcium binding protein A11(S100A11) and enhances its expression in CRC. LASP1-S100A11 axis is essential for TGFβ-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell aggressive phenotype. Clinically, S100A11 is overexpressed in CRC tissues and localized in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of CRC cells. Overexpression of S100A11 in cytoplasmic and nuclear subcellular compartments is associated with tumor metastasis and poor prognosis of CRC patients. Introduction of cytoplasmic and nuclear S100A11 promotes aggressive phenotypes of CRC cells in vitro as well as growth and metastasis of CRC xenografts, whereas suppressing S100A11 abrogates these effects. Furthermore, we identify flotillin-1 (FLOT1) and histone H1 as downstream factors for cytoplasmic and nuclear pathway of S100A11, which are required for LASP1-S100A11 axis-mediated EMT and CRC progression. These findings indicate S100A11, combined with LASP1, plays a critical role in promoting CRC metastasis via its subcellular effectors, FLOT1 and histone H1.
A three-terminal ultraviolet photodetector constructed on a barrier-modulated triple-layer architecture
Authors: Ye Daqian , Mei Zengxia , Liang Huili , liu Lishu , Zhang Yonghui , Li Junqiang , Liu Yaoping , Gu Changzhi , Du Xiaolong
Published: May 2016

We report a novel three-terminal device fabricated on MgZnO/ZnO/MgZnO triple-layer architecture. Because of the combined barrier modulation effect by both gate and drain biases, the device shows an unconventional I–V characteristics compared to a common field effect transistor. The photoresponse behavior of this unique device was also investigated and applied in constructing a new type ultraviolet (UV) photodetector, which may be potentially used as an active element in a UV imaging array. More significantly, the proper gate bias-control offers a new pathway to overcome the common persistent photoconductivity (PPC) effect problem. Additionally, the MgZnO:F as a channel layer was chosen to optimize the photoresponse properties and the spectrum indicated a gate bias-dependent wavelength-selectable feature for different response peaks, which suggests the possibility to build a unique dual-band UV photodetector with this new architecture.
Remarkable enhancement of the electrical conductivity of carbon nanostructured thin films after compression
Authors: Georgakilas Vasilios , Koutsioukis Apostolos , Petr Martin , Tucek Jiri , Zboril Radek
Published: May 2016

Significant improvement in the electrical conductivity of carbon nanostructured thin films, by compression/polishing.
On-site classification of pansteatitis in Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) using a portable lipid-based analyzer
Authors: Bowden John A. , Somerville Stephen E. , Cantu Theresa M. , Guillette Matthew P. , Botha Hannes , Boggs Ashley S. P. , Luus-Powell Wilmien , Guillette Louis J.
Published: May 2016

On-site application of a portable lipid-based analyzer for total cholesterol measurement of healthy and pansteatitis-affected Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).
High viscosity to highly dispersed PtPd bimetallic nanocrystals for enhanced catalytic activity and stability
Authors: Ying Jie , Hu Zhi-Yi , Yang Xiao-Yu , Wei Hao , Xiao Yu-Xuan , Janiak Christoph , Mu Shi-Chun , Tian Ge , Pan Mu , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Su Bao-Lian
Published: May 2016

A facile high-viscosity-solvent method is developed to synthesize highly dispersed bimetallic PtPd nanocrystals with high activity, stability and durability.
The electrochemical behaviour of TTF in Li–O2 batteries using a TEGDME-based electrolyte
Authors: Yang H. , Wang Q. , Zhang R. , Trimm B. D. , Whittingham M. S.
Published: May 2016

Tetrathiafulvalene, when used as a redox mediator in a lithium–oxygen cell, using the olivine LiFePO4, acts as a redox mediator for the olivine.
(−)/(+)-Sparteine induced chirally-active carbon nanoparticles for enantioselective separation of racemic mixtures
Authors: Vulugundam Gururaja , Misra Santosh K. , Ostadhossein Fatemeh , Schwartz-Duval Aaron S. , Daza Enrique A. , Pan Dipanjan
Published: May 2016

Chiral carbon nanoparticles (CCNPs) were developed by surface passivation using the chiral ligand (−)-sparteine or (+)-sparteine (denoted (−)-SP/CNP and (+)-SP/CNP, respectively).
Quantitative analysis of modeled ATP hydrolysis in water by a colorimetric sensor array
Authors: Minami Tsuyoshi , Emami Fereshteh , Nishiyabu Ryuhei , Kubo Yuji , Anzenbacher Pavel
Published: May 2016

A self-assembled and colorimetric sensor assay is utilized to monitor a model of a metabolic reaction where ATP is hydrolyzed to pyrophosphate and AMP.
Facile synthesis of symmetric bundle-like Sb2S3micron-structures and their application in lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Yi Zheng , Han Qigang , Cheng Yong , Wu Yaoming , Wang Limin
Published: May 2016

A two-step oxidation–sulfuration route is developed to fabricate the bundle-like Sb2S3micron-structure, in which hundreds of 1D nanowires are tied.
Realizing half-metallicity in K2CoF4 exfoliated nanosheets via defect engineering
Authors: Bai Yujie , Deng Kaiming , Kan Erjun
Published: May 2016

We explored the possibility of realizing a 2D exfoliated ionic bonding nanosheet, and investigated its electronic and magnetic properties.
Anticancer activity of a chelating nitrogen mustard bearing tetrachloridoplatinum(iv) complex: better stability yet equipotent to the Pt(ii) analogue
Authors: Karmakar Subhendu , Chatterjee Saptarshi , Purkait Kallol , Mukherjee Arindam
Published: May 2016

A tetrachlorido Pt(iv) complex of a chelating nitrogen mustard (1a) shows higher solution stability than its known Pt(ii) counterpart yet is cytotoxic, shows GSH resistance and induces apoptosis.
A mechanism for solvent extraction of first row transition metals from chloride media with the ionic liquid tetraoctylammonium oleate
Authors: Parmentier Dries , Vander Hoogerstraete Tom , Banerjee Dipanjan , Valia Yash A. , Metz Sybrand J. , Binnemans Koen , Kroon Maaike C.
Published: May 2016

The extraction mechanism of cobalt, nickel and zinc with the ionic liquid tetraoctylammonium oleate is reported.
Aluminum complexes containing salicylbenzoxazole ligands and their application in the ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide and ε-caprolactone
Authors: Sumrit Pattarawut , Chuawong Pitak , Nanok Tanin , Duangthongyou Tanwawan , Hormnirun Pimpa
Published: May 2016

Two series of aluminum complexes supported by salicylbenzoxazole ligands were successfully synthesized and applied as active initiators for the ring-opening polymerization of rac-LA and ε-CL.
Amide bond cleavage initiated by coordination with transition metal ions and tuned by an auxiliary ligand
Authors: Yang Yongpo , Lu Chunxin , Wang Hailong , Liu Xiaoming
Published: May 2016

To scission effectively an amide bond, it is essential for a metal centre to bind to the amide bond and the metal centre is of sufficient Lewis acidity which can be tuned by auxiliary ligands.
Structures of potassium calix[4]arene crown ether inclusion complexes and application in polymerization of rac-lactide
Authors: Li Yingguo , Zhao Hongwei , Mao Xiaoyang , Pan Xiaobo , Wu Jincai
Published: May 2016

Four potassium calix[4]arene crown ether inclusion complexes with different structures have been synthesized and show different activities in the isoselective ROP of lactide (a best Pm value is 0.73).
Methylmercury production in a chronically sulfate-impacted sub-boreal wetland
Authors: Johnson Nathan W. , Mitchell Carl P. J. , Engstrom Daniel R. , Bailey Logan T. , Coleman Wasik Jill K. , Berndt Michael E.
Published: May 2016

Net methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in a chronically sulfate-impacted sub-boreal wetland is not higher than a nearby unimpacted wetland. MeHg accumulation in peat appears to be related to sulfur, but accumulation is decoupled from short-term methylation rates.
Arsenate toxicity and metabolism in the halotolerant microalga Dunaliella salina under various phosphate regimes
Authors: Wang Ya , Zheng Yanheng , Liu Cong , Xu Pingping , Li Hao , Lin Qiaoyun , Zhang Chunhua , Ge Ying
Published: May 2016

Phosphate (PO43−) mediates As(v) uptake and transformation in Dunaliella salina, thereby affecting As removal ability of this exceptionally halotolerant microalga.
Eco-compatible zeolite-catalysed continuous halogenation of aromatics
Authors: Losch P. , Kolb J. F. , Astafan A. , Daou T. J. , Pinard L. , Pale P. , Louis B.
Published: May 2016

Continuous iodobenzene chlorination reaction: experimental set-up and conversion – acid site density dependence.
Direct synthesis of gasoline and diesel range branched alkanes with acetone from lignocellulose
Authors: Sheng Xueru , Li Ning , Li Guangyi , Wang Wentao , Wang Aiqin , Cong Yu , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2016

C6–C15branched alkanes were synthesized in a high carbon yield (∼80%) with acetone and hydrogen over a dual-bed catalyst system.
Influence of inlet gas composition on dimethyl ether carbonylation and the subsequent hydrogenation of methyl acetate in two-stage ethanol synthesis
Authors: Wang Shurong , Yin Shi , Guo Wenwen , Liu Yincong , Zhu Lingjun , Wang Xiaoliu
Published: May 2016

A two-stage reactor loaded with HMOR and Cu/SBA-15 separately was used to improve indirect ethanol synthesis.
Clamping of RNA with PNA enables targeting of microRNA
Authors: Ghidini Alice , Bergquist Helen , Murtola Merita , Punga Tanel , Zain Rula , Strömberg Roger
Published: May 2016

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) clamps give more stable complexes with RNA than with DNA and a BisPNA (AntimiR) invades a hairpin RNA that is a model of the microRNA miR-376b. This may be an effective way of targeting miRs.
DNA based signal amplified molecularly imprinted polymer electrochemical sensor for multiplex detection
Authors: Wang Cong , Guo Zhihua , Zhang Li , Zhang Na , Zhang Keying , Xu Jigui , Wang Hongyang , Shi Hongwei , Qin Miao , Ren Lei
Published: May 2016

Fabrication process of the electrochemical sensor based on MIPs/GE for the determination of FA, FR, Hg2+, and target DNA.
Graphene induced microstructural changes of PLA/MWCNT biodegradable nanocomposites: rheological, morphological, thermal and electrical properties
Authors: Rostami Amir , Nazockdast Hossein , Karimi Mohammad
Published: May 2016

Investigation on the enhancement of the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of PLA nanocomposites upon addition of functionalized CNTs and GnPs as single fillers and in the form of hybrid fillers.
Role of dissolved oxygen in metal(loid) removal by zerovalent iron at different pH: its dependence on the removal mechanisms
Authors: Qin Hejie , Li Jinxiang , Bao Qianqian , Li Lina , Guan Xiaohong
Published: May 2016

The role of oxygen in metal(loid)s removal by zerovalent iron (ZVI) is strongly dependent on the removal mechanisms of metal(loid)s at different pH.
PEG–MWCNT/Fe hybrids as multi-modal contrast agents for MRI and optical imaging
Authors: Baranowska-Korczyc Anna , Jasiurkowska-Delaporte Małgorzata , Maciejewska Barbara M. , Warowicka Alicja , Coy L. Emerson , Zalewski Tomasz , Kozioł Krzysztof K. , Jurga Stefan
Published: May 2016

This study examines the use of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotube/iron (O-MWCNT/Fe) nanohybrids modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as multifunctional cellular imaging agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence microscopy.