bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Did the West Usurp the Rest? Origins of the Great Divergence over theLongue Durée
Authors: Anievas Alexander , Nişancioğlu Kerem
Published: January 2017

Traditional explanations of the “rise of the West” have located the sources of Western supremacy in structural or long-term developmental factors internal to Europe. By contrast, revisionist accounts have emphasized the conjunctural and contingent aspects of Europe's ascendancy, while highlighting intersocietal conditions that shaped this trajectory to global dominance. While sharing the revisionist focus on the non-Western sources of European development, we challenge their conjunctural explanation, which denies differences between “West” and “East” and within Europe. We do so by deploying the idea of uneven and combined development (UCD), which redresses the shortcomings found on both sides of the debate: the traditional Eurocentric focus on the structural and immanent characteristics of European development and the revisionists’ emphasis on contingency and the homogeneity of Eurasian societies. UCD resolves these problems by integrating structural and contingent factors into a unified explanation: unevenness makes sense of the sociological differences that revisionists miss, while combination captures the aleatory processes of interactive and multilinear development overlooked by Eurocentric approaches. From this perspective, the article examines the sociologically generative interactions between European and Asian societies’ development over thelongue duréeand traces how the breakdown of feudalism and the rise of capitalism in Europe were fundamentally rooted in and conditioned by extra-European structures and agents. This then sets up our conjunctural analysis of a central yet underappreciated factor explaining Europe rise to global dominance: the disintegration of the Mughal Empire and Britain's colonization of India.
Insights into the velocity-dependent geometry and internal strain in accretionary wedges from analogue models
Authors: DENG BIN , JIANG LEI , ZHAO GAOPING , HUANG RUI , WANG YUANBO , LIU SHUGEN
Published: January 2017

Although the brittle material in analogue models is characterized by a linear Navier-Coulomb behaviour and rate-independent deformation, the geometry and style of deformation in accretionary wedges is sensitive to shortening velocity. In this study we have constructed a series of analogue models with various shortening velocities in order to study the influence of shortening velocity on the geometry and kinematics of accretionary wedges. Model results illustrate how shortening velocity has an important influence on the geometry and kinematics of the resulting wedge. In general, for models having similar bulk shortening, the accretionary wedges with higher velocities of shortening are roughly steeper, higher and longer, as well as having larger critical wedge angles and height. It accommodates a number of foreland-vergent thrusts, larger fault spacing and displacement rates than those of low- to medium-velocity shortening, which indicates a weak velocity-dependence in geometry of the wedge. Moreover, models with a high velocity of shortening undergo larger amounts of volumetric strain and total layer-parallel shortening than models with low- to medium-velocity shortening. The former accommodate a greater development of back thrusts and asymmetric structures; a backwards-to-forwards style of wedge growth therefore occurs in the frontal zone under high-velocity shortening.
Are Deficits in Social Cognition Linked to Autobiographical Memory in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: Scheidemann Johannes H. , Petermann Franz , Schipper Marc
Published: January 2017

Abstract. We investigated theory of mind (ToM) deficits in Alzheimer‘s disease (AD) and its possible connection to autobiographical memory (ABM). Patients and matched controls were evaluated and compared using a video-based ToM test, an autobiographical fluency task, and a neuropsychological test battery. We found that ToM deficits were positively associated with semantic ABM in the clinical group, whereas a positive relationship appeared between ToM and episodic ABM in controls. We hypothesize that this reflects the course of the disease as well as that semantic ABM is used for ToM processing, being still accessible in AD. Furthermore, we assume that it is also less efficient, which in turn leads to a specific deficit profile of social cognition.
Evaluation of an Executive Functioning Test Battery in Two Versions with Material Close to Daily Life
Authors: Kallweit Claudia , Exner Cornelia
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The assessment of executive functions (EF) often yields conflicting results between standardized tests and self-ratings (e. g., in depression or adult ADHD). For the present investigation, standardized EF-tasks were enriched in order to better represent executive demands of daily life. In the future this may improve the assessment and prediction of reported performance deficits in daily life. An EF-test battery was designed with material close to daily life; tasks were matched to basic executive functions. Healthy students took part in two preliminary studies to evaluate the reliability, validity, and comparability of five tasks. In the end, four tasks seem suitable, whereas one task underlies several limitations. The tasks can reliably be used and should be re-evaluated in further studies with adult ADHD participants and healthy controls.
Earth’s changing global atmospheric energy cycle in response to climate change
Authors: Pan Yefeng , Li Liming , Jiang Xun , Li Gan , Zhang Wentao , Wang Xinyue , Ingersoll Andrew P.
Published: January 2017

The Lorenz energy cycle is widely used to investigate atmospheres and climates on planets. However, the long-term temporal variations of such an energy cycle have not yet been explored. Here we use three independent meteorological data sets from the modern satellite era, to examine the temporal characteristics of the Lorenz energy cycle of Earth’s global atmosphere in response to climate change. The total mechanical energy of the global atmosphere basically remains constant with time, but the global-average eddy energies show significant positive trends. The spatial investigations suggest that these positive trends are concentrated in the Southern Hemisphere. Significant positive trends are also found in the conversion, generation and dissipation rates of energies. The positive trends in the dissipation rates of kinetic energies suggest that the efficiency of the global atmosphere as a heat engine increased during the modern satellite era.
Differential expression of microRNAs during fiber development between fuzzless-lintless mutant and its wild-type allotetraploid cotton
Authors: Sun Runrun , Li Chengqi , Zhang Jinbao , Li Fei , Ma Liang , Tan Yangguang , Wang Qinglian , Zhang Baohong
Published: January 2017

Cotton is one of the most important textile crops but little is known how microRNAs regulate cotton fiber development. Using a well-studied cotton fiberless mutant Xu-142-fl, we compared 54 miRNAs for their expression between fiberless mutant and its wildtype. In wildtype Xu-142, 26 miRNAs are involved in cotton fiber initiation and 48 miRNAs are related to primary wall synthesis and secondary wall thickening. Thirty three miRNAs showed different expression in fiber initiation between Xu-142 and Xu-142-fl. These miRNAs potentially target 723 protein-coding genes, including transcription factors, such as MYB, ARF, and LRR. ARF18 was newly predicted targets of miR160a, and miR160a was expressed at higher level in −2DPA of Xu-142-fl compared with Xu-142. Furthermore, the result of Gene Ontology-based term classification (GO), EuKaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis shows that miRNA targets were classified to 222 biological processes, 64 cellular component and 42 molecular functions, enriched in 22 KOG groups, and classified into 28 pathways. Together, our study provides evidence for better understanding of miRNA regulatory roles in the process of fiber development, which is helpful to increase fiber yield and improve fiber quality.
Selection of suitable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR gene expression analysis in Salix matsudana under different abiotic stresses
Authors: Zhang Yunxing , Han Xiaojiao , Chen Shuangshuang , Zheng Liu , He Xuelian , Liu Mingying , Qiao Guirong , Wang Yang , Zhuo Renying
Published: January 2017

Salix matsudanais a deciduous, rapidly growing willow species commonly cultivated in China, which can tolerate drought, salt, and heavy metal stress conditions. Selection of suitable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR is important for normalizing the expression of the key genes associated with various stresses. To validate suitable reference genes, we selected 11 candidate reference genes (five traditional housekeeping genes and six novel genes) and analyzed their expression stability in various samples, including different tissues and under different abiotic stress treatments. The expression of these genes was determined using five programs—geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, ΔCt, and RefFinder. The results showed thatα-TUB2(alpha-tubulin 2) andDnaJ(chaperone protein DnaJ 49) were the most stable reference genes across all the tested samples. We measured the expression profiles of the defense response geneSmCAT(catalase) using the two most stable and one least stable reference genes in all samples ofS. matsudana. The relative quantification ofSmCATvaried greatly according to the different reference genes. We propose thatα-TUB2andDnaJshould be the preferred reference genes for normalization and quantification of transcript levels in future gene expression studies in willow species under various abiotic stress conditions.
Intracellular degradation of functionalized carbon nanotube/iron oxide hybrids is modulated by iron via Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Elgrabli Dan , Dachraoui Walid , Marmier Hélène de , Ménard-Moyon Cécilia , Bégin Dominique , Bégin-Colin Sylvie , Bianco Alberto , Alloyeau Damien , Gazeau Florence
Published: January 2017

The in vivo fate and biodegradability of carbon nanotubes is still a matter of debate despite tremendous applications. In this paper we describe a molecular pathway by which macrophages degrade functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) designed for biomedical applications and containing, or not, iron oxide nanoparticles in their inner cavity. Electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy show that intracellularly-induced structural damages appear more rapidly for iron-free CNTs in comparison to iron-loaded ones, suggesting a role of iron in the degradation mechanism. By comparing the molecular responses of macrophages derived from THP1 monocytes to both types of CNTs, we highlight a molecular mechanism regulated by Nrf2/Bach1 signaling pathways to induce CNT degradation via NOX2 complex activation and O2•−, H2O2 and OH• production. CNT exposure activates an oxidative stress-dependent production of iron via Nrf2 nuclear translocation, Ferritin H and Heme oxygenase 1 translation. Conversely, Bach1 was translocated to the nucleus of cells exposed to iron-loaded CNTs to recycle embedded iron. Our results provide new information on the role of oxidative stress, iron metabolism and Nrf2-mediated host defence for regulating CNT fate in macrophages.
Listeners can extract meaning from non-linguistic infant vocalisations cross-culturally
Authors: Kersken Verena , Zuberbühler Klaus , Gomez Juan-Carlos
Published: January 2017

We present empirical evidence showing that the acoustic properties of non-linguistic vocalisations produced by human infants in different cultures can be used cross-culturally by listeners to make inferences about the infant’s current behaviour. We recorded natural infant vocalisations in Scotland and Uganda in five social contexts; declarative pointing, giving an object, requesting an action, protesting, and requesting food. Using a playback paradigm, we tested parents and non-parents, who either had regular or no experience with young children, from Scotland and Uganda in their ability to match infant vocalisations of both cultures to their respective production contexts. All participants performed above chance, regardless of prior experience with infants or cultural background, with only minor differences between participant groups. Results suggest that acoustic variations in non-linguistic infant vocalisations transmit broad classes of information to listeners, even in the absence of additional cues from gesture or context, and that these cues may reflect universal properties similar to the ‘referential’ information discovered in non-human primate vocalisations.
Decoding the role of the nuclear receptor SHP in regulating hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrogenesis
Authors: Cipriani Sabrina , Carino Adriana , Masullo Dario , Zampella Angela , Distrutti Eleonora , Fiorucci Stefano
Published: January 2017

The small heterodimer partner (SHP) is an orphan nuclear receptor that lacks the DNA binding domain while conserves a putative ligand-binding site, thought that endogenous ligands for this receptor are unknown. Previous studies have determined that SHP activation protects against development of liver fibrosis a process driven by trans-differentiation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a miofibroblast like cell type, involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. To dissect signals involved in this activity we generated SHP-overexpressing human and rat HSCs. Forced expression of SHP in HSC-T6 altered the expression of 574 genes. By pathway and functional enrichment analyses we detected a cluster of 46 differentially expressed genes involved in HSCs trans-differentiation. Using a isoxazole scaffold we designed and synthesized a series of SHP agonists. The most potent member of this group, ISO-COOH (EC50: 9 μM), attenuated HSCs trans-differentiation and ECM deposition in vitro, while in mice rendered cirrhotic by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or α-naphthyl-isothiocyanate (ANIT), protected against development of liver fibrosis as measured by morphometric analysis and expression of α-SMA and α1-collagen mRNAs. In aggregate, present results identify SHP as a counter-regulatory signal for HSCs transactivation and describe a novel class of SHP agonists endowed with anti-fibrotic activity.
Comparative molecular dynamics studies of heterozygous open reading frames of DNA polymerase eta (η) in pathogenic yeast Candida albicans
Authors: Satpati Suresh , Manohar Kodavati , Acharya Narottam , Dixit Anshuman
Published: January 2017

Genomic instability in Candida albicans is believed to play a crucial role in fungal pathogenesis. DNA polymerases contribute significantly to stability of any genome. Although Candida Genome database predicts presence of S. cerevisiae DNA polymerase orthologs; functional and structural characterizations of Candida DNA polymerases are still unexplored. DNA polymerase eta (Polη) is unique as it promotes efficient bypass of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers. Interestingly, C. albicans is heterozygous in carrying two Polη genes and the nucleotide substitutions were found only in the ORFs. As allelic differences often result in functional differences of the encoded proteins, comparative analyses of structural models and molecular dynamic simulations were performed to characterize these orthologs of DNA Polη. Overall structures of both the ORFs remain conserved except subtle differences in the palm and PAD domains. The complementation analysis showed that both the ORFs equally suppressed UV sensitivity of yeast rad30 deletion strain. Our study has predicted two novel molecular interactions, a highly conserved molecular tetrad of salt bridges and a series of π–π interactions spanning from thumb to PAD. This study suggests these ORFs as the homologues of yeast Polη, and due to its heterogeneity in C. albicans they may play a significant role in pathogenicity.
Potential molecular consequences of transgene integration: The R6/2 mouse example
Authors: Jacobsen Jessie C. , Erdin Serkan , Chiang Colby , Hanscom Carrie , Handley Renee R. , Barker Douglas D. , Stortchevoi Alex , Blumenthal Ian , Reid Suzanne J. , Snell Russell G. , MacDonald Marcy E. , Morton A. Jennifer , Ernst Carl , Gusella James F. , Talkowski Michael E.
Published: January 2017

Integration of exogenous DNA into a host genome represents an important route to generate animal and cellular models for exploration into human disease and therapeutic development. In most models, little is known concerning structural integrity of the transgene, precise site of integration, or its impact on the host genome. We previously used whole-genome and targeted sequencing approaches to reconstruct transgene structure and integration sites in models of Huntington’s disease, revealing complex structural rearrangements that can result from transgenesis. Here, we demonstrate in the R6/2 mouse, a widely used Huntington’s disease model, that integration of a rearranged transgene with coincident deletion of 5,444 bp of host genome within the gene Gm12695 has striking molecular consequences. Gm12695, the function of which is unknown, is normally expressed at negligible levels in mouse brain, but transgene integration has resulted in cortical expression of a partial fragment (exons 8–11) 3’ to the transgene integration site in R6/2. This transcript shows significant expression among the extensive network of differentially expressed genes associated with this model, including synaptic transmission, cell signalling and transcription. These data illustrate the value of sequence-level resolution of transgene insertions and transcription analysis to inform phenotypic characterization of transgenic models utilized in therapeutic research.
A 10-year observation of PM2.5-bound nickel in Xi’an, China: Effects of source control on its trend and associated health risks
Authors: Xu Hongmei , Ho Steven Sai Hang , Cao Junji , Guinot Benjamin , Kan Haidong , Shen Zhenxing , Ho Kin Fai , Liu Suixin , Zhao Zhuzi , Li Jianjun , Zhang Ningning , Zhu Chongshu , Zhang Qian , Huang Rujin
Published: January 2017

This study presents the first long term (10-year period, 2004–2013) datasets of PM2.5-bound nickel (Ni) concentration obtained from the daily sample in urban of Xi’an, Northwestern China. The Ni concentration trend, pollution sources, and the potential health risks associated to Ni were investigated. The Ni concentrations increased from 2004 to 2008, but then decreased due to coal consumption reduction, energy structure reconstruction, tighter emission rules and the improvement of the industrial and motor vehicle waste control techniques. With the comparison of distributions between workday and non-workday periods, the effectiveness of local and regional air pollution control policies and contributions of hypothetical Ni sources (industrial and automobile exhausts) were evaluated, demonstrating the health benefits to the populations during the ten years. Mean Ni cancer risk was higher than the threshold value of 10−6, suggesting that carcinogenic Ni still was a concern to the residents. Our findings conclude that there are still needs to establish more strict strategies and guidelines for atmospheric Ni in our living area, assisting to balance the relationship between economic growth and environmental conservation in China.
Identification of Key Residues for Urate Specific Transport in Human Glucose Transporter 9 (hSLC2A9)
Authors: Long Wentong , Panigrahi Rashmi , Panwar Pankaj , Wong Kenneth , O′Neill Debbie , Chen Xing-Zhen , Lemieux M. Joanne , Cheeseman Chris I.
Published: January 2017

Human glucose transporter 9 (hSLC2A9) is critical in human urate homeostasis, for which very small deviations can lead to chronic or acute metabolic disorders. Human SLC2A9 is unique in that it transports hexoses as well as the organic anion, urate. This ability is in contrast to other homologous sugar transporters such as glucose transporters 1 and 5 (SLC2A1 & SLC2A5) and the xylose transporter (XylE), despite the fact that these transporters have similar protein structures. Ourin silicosubstrate docking study has revealed that urate and fructose bind within the same binding pocket in hSLC2A9, yet with distinct orientations, and allowed us to identify novel residues for urate binding. Our functional studies confirmed that N429 is a key residue for both urate binding and transport. We have shown that cysteine residues, C181, C301 and C459 in hSLC2A9 are also essential elements for mediating urate transport. Additional data from chimæric protein analysis illustrated that transmembrane helix 7 of hSLC2A9 is necessary for urate transport but not sufficient to allow urate transport to be induced in glucose transporter 5 (hSLC2A5). These data indicate that urate transport in hSLC2A9 involves several structural elements rather than just a unique substrate binding pocket.
The aliphatic amidase AmiE is involved in regulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence
Authors: Clamens Thomas , Rosay Thibaut , Crépin Alexandre , Grandjean Teddy , Kentache Takfarinas , Hardouin Julie , Bortolotti Perrine , Neidig Anke , Mooij Marlies , Hillion Mélanie , Vieillard Julien , Cosette Pascal , Overhage Joerg , O’Gara Fergal , Bouffartigues Emeline , Dufour Alain , Chevalier Sylvie , Guery Benoit , Cornelis Pierre , Feuilloley Marc G. J. , Lesouhaitier Olivier
Published: January 2017

We have previously shown that the eukaryotic C-type natriuretic peptide hormone (CNP) regulates Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence and biofilm formation after binding on the AmiC sensor, triggering the amiE transcription. Herein, the involvement of the aliphatic amidase AmiE in P. aeruginosa virulence regulation has been investigated. The proteome analysis of an AmiE over-producing strain (AmiE+) revealed an expression change for 138 proteins, including some that are involved in motility, synthesis of quorum sensing compounds and virulence regulation. We observed that the AmiE+ strain produced less biofilm compared to the wild type, and over-produced rhamnolipids. In the same line, AmiE is involved in P. aeruginosa motilities (swarming and twitching) and production of the quorum sensing molecules N-acyl homoserine lactones and Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS). We observed that AmiE overproduction reduced levels of HCN and pyocyanin causing a decreased virulence in different hosts (i.e. Dictyostelium discoideum and Caenorhabditis elegans). This phenotype was further confirmed in a mouse model of acute lung infection, in which AmiE overproduction resulted in an almost fully virulence decrease. Taken together, our data suggest that, in addition to its role in bacterial secondary metabolism, AmiE is involved in P. aeruginosa virulence regulation by modulating pilus synthesis and cell-to-cell communication.
SWATH-based proteomics identified carbonic anhydrase 2 as a potential diagnosis biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Luo Yanzhang , Mok Tin Seak , Lin Xiuxian , Zhang Wanling , Cui Yizhi , Guo Jiahui , Chen Xing , Zhang Tao , Wang Tong
Published: January 2017

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a serious threat to public health, and the biomarker discovery is of urgent needs. The data-independent mode (DIA) based sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment-ion spectra (SWATH) mass spectrometry (MS) has been proved to be precise in protein quantitation and efficient for cancer biomarker researches. In this study, we performed the first SWATH-MS analysis comparing the NPC and normal tissues. Spike-in stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (super-SILAC) MS was used as a shotgun reference. We identified and quantified 1414 proteins across all SWATH-MS analyses. We found that SWATH-MS had a unique feature to preferentially detect proteins with smaller molecular weights than either super-SILAC MS or human proteome background. With SWATH-MS, 29 significant differentially express proteins (DEPs) were identified. Among them, carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2) was selected for further validation per novelty, MS quality and other supporting rationale. With the tissue microarray analysis, we found that CA2 had an AUC of 0.94 in differentiating NPC from normal tissue samples. In conclusion, SWATH-MS has unique features in proteome analysis, and it leads to the identification of CA2 as a potentially new diagnostic biomarker for NPC.
Correction: Corrigendum: Pre- and post-weaning diet alters the faecal metagenome in the cat with differences in vitamin and carbohydrate metabolism gene abundances
Authors: Young Wayne , Moon Christina D. , Thomas David G. , Cave Nick J. , Bermingham Emma N.
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 34668; published online: 23 November 2016; updated: 24 January 2017 The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the title, where: “Pre- and post-weaning diet alters the faecal metagenome in the cat with differences vitamin and carbohydrate metabolism gene abundances”.
Catalytic behavior of metal catalysts in high-temperature RWGS reaction: In-situ FT-IR experiments and first-principles calculations
Authors: Choi Sungjun , Sang Byoung-In , Hong Jongsup , Yoon Kyung Joong , Son Ji-Won , Lee Jong-Ho , Kim Byung-Kook , Kim Hyoungchul
Published: January 2017

High-temperature chemical reactions are ubiquitous in (electro) chemical applications designed to meet the growing demands of environmental and energy protection. However, the fundamental understanding and optimization of such reactions are great challenges because they are hampered by the spontaneous, dynamic, and high-temperature conditions. Here, we investigated the roles of metal catalysts (Pd, Ni, Cu, and Ag) in the high-temperature reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction using in-situ surface analyses and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Catalysts were prepared by the deposition-precipitation method with urea hydrolysis and freeze-drying. Most metals show a maximum catalytic activity during the RWGS reaction (reaching the thermodynamic conversion limit) with formate groups as an intermediate adsorbed species, while Ag metal has limited activity with the carbonate species on its surface. According to DFT calculations, such carbonate groups result from the suppressed dissociation and adsorption of hydrogen on the Ag surface, which is in good agreement with the experimental RWGS results.
Alignment Solution for CT Image Reconstruction using Fixed Point and Virtual Rotation Axis
Authors: Jun Kyungtaek , Yoon Seokhwan
Published: January 2017

Since X-ray tomography is now widely adopted in many different areas, it becomes more crucial to find a robust routine of handling tomographic data to get better quality of reconstructions. Though there are several existing techniques, it seems helpful to have a more automated method to remove the possible errors that hinder clearer image reconstruction. Here, we proposed an alternative method and new algorithm using the sinogram and the fixed point. An advanced physical concept of Center of Attenuation (CA) was also introduced to figure out how this fixed point is applied to the reconstruction of image having errors we categorized in this article. Our technique showed a promising performance in restoring images having translation and vertical tilt errors.
Phosphorylated Histone 3 at Serine 10 Identifies Activated Spinal Neurons and Contributes to the Development of Tissue Injury-Associated Pain
Authors: Torres-Pérez Jose Vicente , Sántha Péter , Varga Angelika , Szucs Peter , Sousa-Valente Joao , Gaal Botond , Sivadó Miklós , Andreou Anna P , Beattie Sara , Nagy Bence , Matesz Klara , C. Arthur J. Simon , Jancsó Gábor , Nagy Istvan
Published: January 2017

Transcriptional changes in superficial spinal dorsal horn neurons (SSDHN) are essential in the development and maintenance of prolonged pain. Epigenetic mechanisms including post-translational modifications in histones are pivotal in regulating transcription. Here, we report that phosphorylation of serine 10 (S10) in histone 3 (H3) specifically occurs in a group of rat SSDHN following the activation of nociceptive primary sensory neurons by burn injury, capsaicin application or sustained electrical activation of nociceptive primary sensory nerve fibres. In contrast, brief thermal or mechanical nociceptive stimuli, which fail to induce tissue injury or inflammation, do not produce the same effect. Blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors or activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, or blocking or deleting the mitogen- and stress-activated kinases 1 and 2 (MSK1/2), which phosphorylate S10 in H3, inhibit up-regulation in phosphorylated S10 in H3 (p-S10H3) as well as fos transcription, a down-stream effect of p-S10H3. Deleting MSK1/2 also inhibits the development of carrageenan-induced inflammatory heat hyperalgesia in mice. We propose that p-S10H3 is a novel marker for nociceptive processing in SSDHN with high relevance to transcriptional changes and the development of prolonged pain.
Selective inhibition of Ebola entry with selective estrogen receptor modulators by disrupting the endolysosomal calcium
Authors: Fan Hanlu , Du Xiaohong , Zhang Jingyuan , Zheng Han , Lu Xiaohui , Wu Qihui , Li Haifeng , Wang Han , Shi Yi , Gao George , Zhou Zhuan , Tan Dun-Xian , Li Xiangdong
Published: January 2017

The Ebola crisis occurred in West-Africa highlights the urgency for its clinical treatments. Currently, no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapeutics are available. Several FDA-approved drugs, including selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), possess selective anti-Ebola activities. However, the inhibitory mechanisms of these drugs remain elusive. By analyzing the structures of SERMs and their incidental biological activity (cholesterol accumulation), we hypothesized that this incidental biological activity induced by SERMs could be a plausible mechanism as to their inhibitory effects on Ebola infection. Herein, we demonstrated that the same dosages of SERMs which induced cholesterol accumulation also inhibited Ebola infection. SERMs reduced the cellular sphingosine and subsequently caused endolysosomal calcium accumulation, which in turn led to blocking the Ebola entry. Our study clarified the specific anti-Ebola mechanism of SERMs, even the cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs), this mechanism led to the endolysosomal calcium as a critical target for development of anti-Ebola drugs.
Safety and Efficacy of Single-Stage Surgical Treatment for Congenital Scoliosis Associated with Intraspinal Mass
Authors: Zhang Bo-bo , Tao Hui-ren , Wu Tai-lin , Wang Lin , Duan Chun-guang , Zhang Tao , Li Tao , Yang Wei-zhou , Liu Ming , Ma Jun
Published: January 2017

For congenital scoliosis associated with intraspinal anomaly, surgical treatment is often advocated. However, the safety and efficacy of single-stage intraspinal mass resection and scoliosis correction remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the feasibility and risk factors of single-stage surgical treatment for congenital scoliosis associated with intraspinal mass. Patients’ clinical records were reviewed for demographic and radiographic data, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, perioperative complications, and postoperative pathologic results. Two female and 5 male patients with an average age of 19.14 ± 7.52 years (range, 11–31 years) were evaluated. Patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months after initial surgical treatment, with an average of 49.71 ± 32.90 months (range, 27–99 months). Spinal curvature was corrected from an average of 69.57 ± 20.44° to 29.14 ± 9.87°, demonstrating a mean correction rate of 55.05% ± 18.75%. No obvious loss of correction was observed at the final follow-up. Complications included transient neurologic deficit, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and intraspinal mass recurrence in 1 patient each. There was no paralysis or permanent nerve damage. In conclusion, simultaneous intraspinal mass resection and scoliosis correction appears to be safe and effective.
Interstitial Inorganic Phosphate as a Tumor Microenvironment Marker for Tumor Progression
Authors: Bobko Andrey A. , Eubank Timothy D. , Driesschaert Benoit , Dhimitruka Ilirian , Evans Jason , Mohammad Rahman , Tchekneva Elena E. , Dikov Mikhail M. , Khramtsov Valery V.
Published: January 2017

Noninvasivein vivoassessment of chemical tumor microenvironment (TME) parameters such as oxygen (pO2), extracellular acidosis (pHe), and concentration of interstitial inorganic phosphate (Pi) may provide unique insights into biological processes in solid tumors. In this work, we employ a recently developed multifunctional trityl paramagnetic probe and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique forin vivoconcurrent assessment of these TME parameters in various mouse models of cancer. While the data support the existence of hypoxic and acidic regions in TME, the most dramatic differences, about 2-fold higher concentrations in tumors vs. normal tissues, were observed for interstitial Pi - the only parameter that also allowed for discrimination between non-metastatic and highly metastatic tumors. Correlation analysis between [Pi],pO2, pHeand tumor volumes reveal an association of high [Pi] with changes in tumor metabolism and supports different mechanisms of protons and Pi accumulation in TME. Our data identifies interstitial inorganic phosphate as a new TME marker for tumor progression. Pi association with tumor metabolism, buffer-mediated proton transport, and a requirement of high phosphorus content for the rapid growth in the “growth rate hypothesis” may underline its potential role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression.
Antimicrobial Nanoplexes meet Model Bacterial Membranes: the key role of Cardiolipin
Authors: Marín-Menéndez Alejandro , Montis Costanza , Díaz-Calvo Teresa , Carta Davide , Hatzixanthis Kostas , Morris Christopher J. , McArthur Michael , Berti Debora
Published: January 2017

Antimicrobial resistance to traditional antibiotics is a crucial challenge of medical research. Oligonucleotide therapeutics, such as antisense or Transcription Factor Decoys (TFDs), have the potential to circumvent current resistance mechanisms by acting on novel targets. However, their full translation into clinical application requires efficient delivery strategies and fundamental comprehension of their interaction with target bacterial cells. To address these points, we employed a novel cationic bolaamphiphile that binds TFDs with high affinity to form self-assembled complexes (nanoplexes). Confocal microscopy revealed that nanoplexes efficiently transfect bacterial cells, consistently with biological efficacy on animal models. To understand the factors affecting the delivery process, liposomes with varying compositions, taken as model synthetic bilayers, were challenged with nanoplexes and investigated with Scattering and Fluorescence techniques. Thanks to the combination of results on bacteria and synthetic membrane models we demonstrate for the first time that the prokaryotic-enriched anionic lipid Cardiolipin (CL) plays a key-role in the TFDs delivery to bacteria. Moreover, we can hypothesize an overall TFD delivery mechanism, where bacterial membrane reorganization with permeability increase and release of the TFD from the nanoplexes are the main factors. These results will be of great benefit to boost the development of oligonucleotides-based antimicrobials of superior efficacy.
Optimal Down Regulation of mRNA Translation
Authors: Zarai Yoram , Margaliot Michael , Tuller Tamir
Published: January 2017

Down regulation of mRNA translation is an important problem in various bio-medical domains ranging from developing effective medicines for tumors and for viral diseases to developing attenuated virus strains that can be used for vaccination. Here, we study the problem of down regulation of mRNA translation using a mathematical model called the ribosome flow model (RFM). In the RFM, the mRNA molecule is modeled as a chain of n sites. The flow of ribosomes between consecutive sites is regulated by n + 1 transition rates. Given a set of feasible transition rates, that models the outcome of all possible mutations, we consider the problem of maximally down regulating protein production by altering the rates within this set of feasible rates. Under certain conditions on the feasible set, we show that an optimal solution can be determined efficiently. We also rigorously analyze two special cases of the down regulation optimization problem. Our results suggest that one must focus on the position along the mRNA molecule where the transition rate has the strongest effect on the protein production rate. However, this rate is not necessarily the slowest transition rate along the mRNA molecule. We discuss some of the biological implications of these results.
Survival rate of eukaryotic cells following electrophoretic nanoinjection
Authors: Simonis Matthias , Hübner Wolfgang , Wilking Alice , Huser Thomas , Hennig Simon
Published: January 2017

Insertion of foreign molecules such as functionalized fluorescent probes, antibodies, or plasmid DNA to living cells requires overcoming the plasma membrane barrier without harming the cell during the staining process. Many techniques such as electroporation, lipofection or microinjection have been developed to overcome the cellular plasma membrane, but they all result in reduced cell viability. A novel approach is the injection of cells with a nanopipette and using electrophoretic forces for the delivery of molecules. The tip size of these pipettes is approximately ten times smaller than typical microinjection pipettes and rather than pressure pulses as delivery method, moderate DC electric fields are used to drive charged molecules out of the tip. Here, we show that this approach leads to a significantly higher survival rate of nanoinjected cells and that injection with nanopipettes has a significantly lower impact on the proliferation behavior of injected cells. Thus, we propose that injection with nanopipettes using electrophoretic delivery is an excellent alternative when working with valuable and rare living cells, such as primary cells or stem cells.
ApoA-IV improves insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in mouse adipocytes via PI3K-Akt Signaling
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Wang Fei , Xu Min , Howles Philip , Tso Patrick
Published: January 2017

Insulin resistance is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. We investigated the effect of ApoA-IV on glucose uptake in the adipose and muscle tissues of mice and cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We found that treatment with ApoA-IV lowered fasting blood glucose in both WT and diabetic KKAy mice by increasing glucose uptake in cardiac muscle, white adipose tissue, and brown adipose tissue through a mechanism that was partially insulin independent. Cell culture experiments showed that ApoA-IV improved glucose uptake in adipocytes in the absence of insulin by upregulating GLUT4 translocation by PI3K mediated activation of Akt signaling pathways. Considering our previous finding that ApoA-IV treatment enhanced pancreatic insulin secretion, these results suggests that ApoA-IV acts directly upon adipose tissue to improve glucose uptake and indirectly via insulin signaling. Our findings warrant future studies to identify the receptor for ApoA-IV and the downstream targets of PI3K-Akt signaling that regulate glucose uptake in adipocytes as potential therapeutic targets for treating insulin resistance.
Correction: Corrigendum: Metabolic and Dynamic Profiling for Risk Assessment of Fluopyram, a Typical Phenylamide Fungicide Widely Applied in Vegetable Ecosystem
Authors: Wei Peng , Liu Yanan , Li Wenzhuo , Qian Yuan , Nie Yanxia , Kim Dongyeop , Wang Mengcen
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 33898; published online: 22 September 2016; updated: 25 January 2017 This Article contains errors in the Materials and Methods section under subheading ‘Chemicals and reagents’. “Authentic fluopyram (purity 99.4%) was purchased from Dr. Ehrenstorfer (Augsburg, Germany) and fluopyram SC (500 g/L) used for field trial was obtained from Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture, China”.
Systemic, Ocular and Genetic Risk Factors for Age-related Macular Degeneration and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy in Singaporeans
Authors: Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy , Laude Augustinus , Yeo Ian , Tan Shu-Pei , Fan Qiao , Mathur Ranjana , Lee Shu Yen , Chan Choi Mun , Tan Gavin , Lim Tock Han , Cheng Ching-Yu , Wong Tien Yin
Published: January 2017

To examine the association of systemic, ocular and genetic risk factors in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in a large cohort of Asian patients, and to further compare risk factors between those with typical AMD and polypoidal choroidal vasculoapthy (PCV) subtypes. We recruited 456 cases and 1,824 controls matched for age, gender and ethnicity. Data on systemic and ocular risk factors were collected on questionnaires. In a subgroup of subjects, we included genetic data on four AMD-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Risk factors for nAMD and subtypes were analyzed. Systemic risk factors for nAMD included older age, male gender, higher BMI and higher HDL-cholesterol. Ocular risk factors included pseudophakic and shorter axial length. Risk factors common to both typical AMD and PCV subtypes included age, BMI and HDL-cholesterol. Shorter axial length was only associated with PCV, while male gender and pseudophakia were only associated with typical AMD. In the subgroup with genotype data, ARMS2 rs10490924 and CFH rs800292 were associated with nAMD. None of the risk factors were significantly different between PCV and typical AMD. Systemic, ocular and genetic risk factors were largely similar for typical AMD and PCV subtypes in this Asian population based in Singapore.
Excellent Thermoelectric Properties in monolayer WSe2 Nanoribbons due to Ultralow Phonon Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Wang Jue , Xie Fang , Cao Xuan-Hao , An Si-Cong , Zhou Wu-Xing , Tang Li-Ming , Chen Ke-Qiu
Published: January 2017

By using first-principles calculations combined with the nonequilibrium Green’s function method and phonon Boltzmann transport equation, we systematically investigate the influence of chirality, temperature and size on the thermoelectric properties of monolayer WSe2 nanoribbons. The results show that the armchair WSe2 nanoribbons have much higher ZT values than zigzag WSe2 nanoribbons. The ZT values of armchair WSe2 nanoribbons can reach 1.4 at room temperature, which is about seven times greater than that of zigzag WSe2 nanoribbons. We also find that the ZT values of WSe2 nanoribbons increase first and then decrease with the increase of temperature, and reach a maximum value of 2.14 at temperature of 500 K. It is because the total thermal conductance reaches the minimum value at 500 K. Moreover, the impact of width on the thermoelectric properties in WSe2 nanoribbons is not obvious, the overall trend of ZT value decreases lightly with the increasing temperature. This trend of ZT value originates from the almost constant power factor and growing phonon thermal conductance.
Most effective way to improve the hydrogen storage abilities of Na-decorated BN sheets: applying external biaxial strain and an electric field
Authors: Tang Chunmei , Zhang Xue , Zhou Xiaofeng
Published: January 2017

Density functional calculations were used to investigate the hydrogen storage abilities of Na-atoms-decorated BN sheets under both external biaxial strain and a vertical electric field.
Vibrational branching ratios and radiative lifetimes in the laser cooling of AlBr
Authors: Gao Yufeng , Wan Mingjie
Published: January 2017

The feasibility of laser cooling of the AlBr molecule is investigated usingab initioquantum chemistry.
Kinetics, mechanisms and ionic liquids in the uptake of n-butylamine onto low molecular weight dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Fairhurst Michelle C. , Ezell Michael J. , Kidd Carla , Lakey Pascale S. J. , Shiraiwa Manabu , Finlayson-Pitts Barbara J.
Published: January 2017

Reactions of solid dicarboxylic acids with gaseousn-butylamine show an odd–even carbon dependence, with the odd carbon reactions forming ionic liquids.
Organometallic gold(iii) complexes with hybrid SNS-donating thiosemicarbazone ligands: cytotoxicity and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity
Authors: Maia P. I. da S. , Carneiro Z. A. , Lopes C. D. , Oliveira C. G. , Silva J. S. , de Albuquerque S. , Hagenbach A. , Gust R. , Deflon V. M. , Abram U.
Published: January 2017

Representatives of a novel class of organogold(iii) compounds with tridentate thiosemicarbazones possess a remarkable activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for Chaga's disease.
Mononuclear ruthenium compounds bearing N-donor and N-heterocyclic carbene ligands: structure and oxidative catalysis
Authors: Liu Hai-Jie , Gil-Sepulcre Marcos , Francàs Laia , Nolis Pau , Parella Teodor , Benet-Buchholz Jordi , Fontrodona Xavier , García-Antón Jordi , Romero Nuria , Llobet Antoni , Escriche Lluís , Bofill Roger , Sala Xavier
Published: January 2017

Oxidative catalytic properties of RuII–N5C complexes containing N-carbene phthalazine-imidazole ligands.
Manganese-containing ionic liquids: synthesis, crystal structures and electrodeposition of manganese films and nanoparticles
Authors: Sniekers Jeroen , Malaquias João C. , Van Meervelt Luc , Fransaer Jan , Binnemans Koen
Published: January 2017

Manganese(ii)-containing ionic liquids with different ligands and anions were prepared. Electrodeposition of manganese or electrosynthesis of manganese nanoparticles was observed, depending on the chemical structure of the ionic liquid.
The design of efficient carbonate interchange reactions with catechol carbonate
Authors: Tabanelli T. , Monti E. , Cavani F. , Selva M.
Published: January 2017

Catechol carbonate (CC) has been investigated as an innovative and highly active reactant for carbonate interchange reactions (CIRs).
Measurement of bistability in a multidimensional parameter space
Authors: Jaquet Vincent , Hsu Chieh , Becskei Attila
Published: January 2017

Bistability plays an important role to generate two stable states for alternative cell fates, or to promote cellular diversity and cell cycle oscillations.
Nanofocusing of circularly polarized Bessel-type plasmon polaritons with hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Liu Ling , Gao Ping , Liu Kaipeng , Kong Weijie , Zhao Zeyu , Pu Mingbo , Wang Changtao , Luo Xiangang
Published: January 2017

An evanescent Bessel beam with a lateral dimension beyond the diffraction limit is generated by combining plasmonic metasurfaces and hyperbolic metamaterials.
SuFEx: a metal-free click ligation for multivalent biomolecules
Authors: Dondoni Alessandro , Marra Alberto
Published: January 2017

Sulfonamide-linked glycoclusters and sulfamate-linked BSA-PEG were prepared by coupling a sugar sulfonyl fluoride with a calixarene tetra-amine and a PEG-fluorosulfate with native bovine serum albumin, respectively.
Niobium(v)-catalyzed defluorinative triallylation of α,α,α-trifluorotoluene derivatives by triple C–F bond activation
Authors: Saito Kodai , Umi Taishi , Yamada Takayuki , Suga Takuya , Akiyama Takahiko
Published: January 2017

The conjugation between the carbocation center and the adjacent fluorine atoms worked effectively in the cascade defluorinative triallylation of α,α,α-trifluorotoluene derivatives.
A fluorescent dye with large Stokes shift and high stability: synthesis and application to live cell imaging
Authors: Gao Zheng , Hao Yongcao , Zheng Meiling , Chen Yi
Published: January 2017

A new fluorescent dye with large Stokes shift and excellent photo-stability for live cell imaging has been developed.
A tendril perversion in a helical oligomer: trapping and characterizing a mobile screw-sense reversal
Authors: Tomsett Michael , Maffucci Irene , Le Bailly Bryden A. F. , Byrne Liam , Bijvoets Stefan M. , Lizio M. Giovanna , Raftery James , Butts Craig P. , Webb Simon J. , Contini Alessandro , Clayden Jonathan
Published: January 2017

Inducing opposite screw senses at the two ends of a helix traps a helix reversal, allowing it to be characterised spectroscopically.