bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between a common immunoglobulin heavy chain allele and rheumatic heart disease risk in Oceania
Authors: Parks Tom , Mirabel Mariana M. , Kado Joseph , Auckland Kathryn , Nowak Jaroslaw , Rautanen Anna , Mentzer Alexander J. , Marijon Eloi , Jouven Xavier , Perman Mai Ling , Cua Tuliana , Kauwe John K. , Allen John B. , Taylor Henry , Robson Kathryn J. , Deane Charlotte M. , Steer Andrew C. , Hill Adrian V. S. ,   Pacific Islands Rheumatic Heart Disease Genetics Network, Allen Lori , Allen Marvin , Braunstein Corinne , Colquhoun Samantha M. , Jewine Aurélia , Ah Kee Maureen , Kumar Rina , John Martin William , Mataika Reapi , Nadra Marie , Nadu Shahin , Naseri Take , Noël Baptiste , Simon Nathalie , Ward Brenton
Published: May 2017

The indigenous populations of the South Pacific experience a high burden of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Here we report a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of RHD susceptibility in 2,852 individuals recruited in eight Oceanian countries. Stratifying by ancestry, we analysed genotyped and imputed variants in Melanesians (607 cases and 1,229 controls) before follow-up of suggestive loci in three further ancestral groups: Polynesians, South Asians and Mixed or other populations (totalling 399 cases and 617 controls). We identify a novel susceptibility signal in the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) locus centring on a haplotype of nonsynonymous variants in theIGHV4-61gene segment corresponding to theIGHV4-61*02 allele. We show each copy ofIGHV4-61*02 is associated with a 1.4-fold increase in the risk of RHD (odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence intervals 1.27–1.61,P=4.1 × 10−9). These findings provide new insight into the role of germline variation in the IGH locus in disease susceptibility.
Circulating tumour DNA sequence analysis as an alternative to multiple myeloma bone marrow aspirates
Authors: Kis Olena , Kaedbey Rayan , Chow Signy , Danesh Arnavaz , Dowar Mark , Li Tiantian , Li Zhihua , Liu Jessica , Mansour Mark , Masih-Khan Esther , Zhang Tong , Bratman Scott V. , Oza Amit M. , Kamel-Reid Suzanne , Trudel Suzanne , Pugh Trevor J.
Published: May 2017

The requirement for bone-marrow aspirates for genomic profiling of multiple myeloma poses an obstacle to enrolment and retention of patients in clinical trials. We evaluated whether circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis is comparable to molecular profiling of myeloma using bone-marrow tumour cells. We report here a hybrid-capture-based Liquid Biopsy Sequencing (LB-Seq) method used to sequence all protein-coding exons of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, EGFR and PIK3CA in 64 cfDNA specimens from 53 myeloma patients to >20,000 × median coverage. This method includes a variant filtering algorithm that enables detection of tumour-derived fragments present in cfDNA at allele frequencies as low as 0.25% (median 3.2%, range 0.25–46%). Using LB-Seq analysis of 48 cfDNA specimens with matched bone-marrow data, we detect 49/51 likely somatic mutations, with subclonal hierarchies reflecting tumour profiling (96% concordance), and four additional mutations likely missed by bone-marrow testing (>98% specificity). Overall, LB-Seq is a high fidelity adjunct to genetic profiling of bone-marrow in multiple myeloma.
ISCA1 is essential for mitochondrial Fe4S4 biogenesis in vivo
Authors: Beilschmidt Lena Kristina , Ollagnier de Choudens Sandrine , Fournier Marjorie , Sanakis Ioannis , Hograindleur Marc-André , Clémancey Martin , Blondin Geneviève , Schmucker Stéphane , Eisenmann Aurélie , Weiss Amélie , Koebel Pascale , Messaddeq Nadia , Puccio Hélène , Martelli Alain
Published: May 2017

Mammalian A-type proteins, ISCA1 and ISCA2, are evolutionarily conserved proteins involved in iron–sulfur cluster (Fe–S) biogenesis. Recently, it was shown that ISCA1 and ISCA2 form a heterocomplex that is implicated in the maturation of mitochondrial Fe4S4 proteins. Here we report that mouse ISCA1 and ISCA2 are Fe2S2-containing proteins that combine all features of Fe–S carrier proteins. We use biochemical, spectroscopic and in vivo approaches to demonstrate that despite forming a complex, ISCA1 and ISCA2 establish discrete interactions with components of the late Fe–S machinery. Surprisingly, knockdown experiments in mouse skeletal muscle and in primary cultures of neurons suggest that ISCA1, but not ISCA2, is required for mitochondrial Fe4S4 proteins biogenesis. Collectively, our data suggest that cellular processes with different requirements for ISCA1, ISCA2 and ISCA1–ISCA2 complex seem to exist.
The transcriptional repressor complex FRS7-FRS12 regulates flowering time and growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ritter Andrés , Iñigo Sabrina , Fernández-Calvo Patricia , Heyndrickx Ken S. , Dhondt Stijn , Shi Hua , De Milde Liesbeth , Vanden Bossche Robin , De Clercq Rebecca , Eeckhout Dominique , Ron Mily , Somers David E. , Inzé Dirk , Gevaert Kris , De Jaeger Geert , Vandepoele Klaas , Pauwels Laurens , Goossens Alain
Published: May 2017

Most living organisms developed systems to efficiently time environmental changes. The plant-clock acts in coordination with external signals to generate output responses determining seasonal growth and flowering time. Here, we show that two Arabidopsis thaliana transcription factors, FAR1 RELATED SEQUENCE 7 (FRS7) and FRS12, act as negative regulators of these processes. These proteins accumulate particularly in short-day conditions and interact to form a complex. Loss-of-function of FRS7 and FRS12 results in early flowering plants with overly elongated hypocotyls mainly in short days. We demonstrate by molecular analysis that FRS7 and FRS12 affect these developmental processes in part by binding to the promoters and repressing the expression of GIGANTEA and PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4 as well as several of their downstream signalling targets. Our data reveal a molecular machinery that controls the photoperiodic regulation of flowering and growth and offer insight into how plants adapt to seasonal changes.
C. elegans chromosomes connect to centrosomes by anchoring into the spindle network
Authors: Redemann Stefanie , Baumgart Johannes , Lindow Norbert , Shelley Michael , Nazockdast Ehssan , Kratz Andrea , Prohaska Steffen , Brugués Jan , Fürthauer Sebastian , Müller-Reichert Thomas
Published: May 2017

The mitotic spindle ensures the faithful segregation of chromosomes. Here we combine the first large-scale serial electron tomography of whole mitotic spindles in early C. elegans embryos with live-cell imaging to reconstruct all microtubules in 3D and identify their plus- and minus-ends. We classify them as kinetochore (KMTs), spindle (SMTs) or astral microtubules (AMTs) according to their positions, and quantify distinct properties of each class. While our light microscopy and mutant studies show that microtubules are nucleated from the centrosomes, we find only a few KMTs directly connected to the centrosomes. Indeed, by quantitatively analysing several models of microtubule growth, we conclude that minus-ends of KMTs have selectively detached and depolymerized from the centrosome. In toto, our results show that the connection between centrosomes and chromosomes is mediated by an anchoring into the entire spindle network and that any direct connections through KMTs are few and likely very transient.
Dust-wind interactions can intensify aerosol pollution over eastern China
Authors: Yang Yang , Russell Lynn M. , Lou Sijia , Liao Hong , Guo Jianping , Liu Ying , Singh Balwinder , Ghan Steven J.
Published: May 2017

Eastern China has experienced severe and persistent winter haze episodes in recent years due to intensification of aerosol pollution. In addition to anthropogenic emissions, the winter aerosol pollution over eastern China is associated with unusual meteorological conditions, including weaker wind speeds. Here we show, based on model simulations, that during years with decreased wind speed, large decreases in dust emissions (29%) moderate the wintertime land–sea surface air temperature difference and further decrease winds by −0.06 (±0.05) m s−1 averaged over eastern China. The dust-induced lower winds enhance stagnation of air and account for about 13% of increasing aerosol concentrations over eastern China. Although recent increases in anthropogenic emissions are the main factor causing haze over eastern China, we conclude that natural emissions also exert a significant influence on the increases in wintertime aerosol concentrations, with important implications that need to be taken into account by air quality studies.
Distinguishing physical mechanisms using GISAXS experiments and linear theory: the importance of high wavenumbers
Authors: Norris Scott A. , Perkinson Joy C. , Mokhtarzadeh Mahsa , Anzenberg Eitan , Aziz Michael J. , Ludwig Karl F.
Published: May 2017

In this work we analyze GISAXS measurements of the structure factor of Si surfaces evolving during 1 keV Ar+ ion bombardment. Using newly-developed methods sensitive to the full range of experimentally-available wavenumbers q, we extract the linear amplification rate R(q) governing surface stability over a range of wavenumbers 4–5 times larger than has previously been obtained. Comparing with theoretical models also retaining full wavenumber-dependence, we find an excellent fit of the experimental data over the full range of irradiation angles and wavenumbers. Moreover, the fitted parameter values represent experimental evaluation of the magnitudes of most physical mechanisms currently believed to be important to the pattern-formation process. In all cases, the extracted values agree well with direct observations or atomistic simulations of the same quantities, suggesting that GISAXS analysis may allow more powerful comparison between experiment and theory than had previously been thought.
Disentangling the intricate atomic short-range order and electronic properties in amorphous transition metal oxides
Authors: Triana C. A. , Araujo C. Moyses , Ahuja R. , Niklasson G. A. , Edvinsson T.
Published: May 2017

Solid state materials with crystalline order have been well-known and characterized for almost a century while the description of disordered materials still bears significant challenges. Among these are the atomic short-range order and electronic properties of amorphous transition metal oxides [aTMOs], that have emerged as novel multifunctional materials due to their optical switching properties and high-capacity to intercalate alkali metal ions at low voltages. For decades, research on aTMOs has dealt with technological optimization. However, it remains challenging to unveil their intricate atomic short-range order. Currently, no systematic and broadly applicable methods exist to assess atomic-size structure, and since electronic localization is structure-dependent, still there are not well-established optical and electronic mechanisms for modelling the properties of aTMOs. We present state-of-the-art systematic procedures involving theory and experiment in a self-consistent computational framework to unveil the atomic short-range order and its role for the electronic properties. The scheme is applied to amorphous tungsten trioxide aWO3, which is the most studied electrochromic aTMO in spite of its unidentified atomic-size structure. Our approach provides a one-to-one matching of experimental data and corresponding model structure from which electronic properties can be directly calculated in agreement with the electronic transitions observed in the XANES spectra.
Thermal radiation of Er doped dielectric crystals: Probing the range of applicability of the Kirchhoff’s law
Authors: Tanyi Ekembu K. , Burton Brandi T. , Narimanov Evgenii E. , Noginov M. A.
Published: May 2017

Kirchhoff’s law of thermal radiation, relating emissivity and absorptance is commonly formulated for opaque bodies in thermodynamic equilibrium with the environment. However, in many systems of practical importance, both assumptions are often not satisfied. We revisit the century-old law and examine the limits of its applicability in an example of Er:YAG and Er:YLF dielectric crystals–potential radiation converters for thermophotovoltaic applications. The (80 at.%) Er:YAG crystal is opaque between 1.45 μm and 1.64 μm. In this spectral range, its absorptance α(λ) is spectrally flat and differentiates from unity only by a small amount of reflection. The shape of the emissivity spectrum ɛ(λ) closely matches that of absorptance α(λ), implying that the Kirchhoff’s law can adequately describe thermal radiation of opaque bodies, even if thermodynamic equilibrium is not satisfied. The (20 at.%) Er:YLF crystal had smaller size, lower concentration of Er ions, and it was not opaque. Nevertheless, its spectrum of emissivity had almost the same shape (between 1.45 μm and 1.62 μm) as the absorptance derived from the transmission measurements. Our results are consistent with the conclusion that the Kirchhoff’s law of thermal radiation can be extended (with caution) to not-opaque bodies away from the thermodynamic equilibrium.
Cell morphology governs directional control in swimming bacteria
Authors: Guadayol Òscar , Thornton Katie L. , Humphries Stuart
Published: May 2017

The ability to rapidly detect and track nutrient gradients is key to the ecological success of motile bacteria in aquatic systems. Consequently, bacteria have evolved a number of chemotactic strategies that consist of sequences of straight runs and reorientations. Theoretically, both phases are affected by fluid drag and Brownian motion, which are themselves governed by cell geometry. Here, we experimentally explore the effect of cell length on control of swimming direction. We subjected Escherichia coli to an antibiotic to obtain motile cells of different lengths, and characterized their swimming patterns in a homogeneous medium. As cells elongated, angles between runs became smaller, forcing a change from a run-and-tumble to a run-and-stop/reverse pattern. Our results show that changes in the motility pattern of microorganisms can be induced by simple morphological variation, and raise the possibility that changes in swimming pattern may be triggered by both morphological plasticity and selection on morphology.
Gender-specific differential expression of exosomal miRNA in synovial fluid of patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Kolhe Ravindra , Hunter Monte , Liu Siyang , Jadeja Ravirajsinh N. , Pundkar Chetan , Mondal Ashis K. , Mendhe Bharati , Drewry Michelle , Rojiani Mumtaz V. , Liu Yutao , Isales Carlos M. , Guldberg Robert E. , Hamrick Mark W. , Fulzele Sadanand
Published: May 2017

The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) is poorly understood, and therapeutic approaches are limited to preventing progression of the disease. Recent studies have shown that exosomes play a vital role in cell-to-cell communication, and pathogenesis of many age-related diseases. Molecular profiling of synovial fluid derived exosomal miRNAs may increase our understanding of OA progression and may lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In this article we report the first characterization of exosomes miRNAs from human synovial fluid. The synovial fluid exosomes share similar characteristics (size, surface marker, miRNA content) with previously described exosomes in other body fluids. MiRNA microarray analysis showed OA specific exosomal miRNA of male and female OA. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis identified gender-specific target genes/signaling pathways. These pathway analyses showed that female OA specific miRNAs are estrogen responsive and target TLR (toll-like receptor) signaling pathways. Furthermore, articular chondrocytes treated with OA derived extracellular vesicles had decreased expression of anabolic genes and elevated expression of catabolic and inflammatory genes. In conclusion, synovial fluid exosomal miRNA content is altered in patients with OA and these changes are gender specific.
Genetic diversity of armored scales (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) and soft scales (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in Chile
Authors: Amouroux P. , Crochard D. , Germain J.-F. , Correa M. , Ampuero J. , Groussier G. , Kreiter P. , Malausa T. , Zaviezo T.
Published: May 2017

Scale insects (Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea) are one of the most invasive and agriculturally damaging insect groups. Their management and the development of new control methods are currently jeopardized by the scarcity of identification data, in particular in regions where no large survey coupling morphological and DNA analyses have been performed. In this study, we sampled 116 populations of armored scales (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) and 112 populations of soft scales (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in Chile, over a latitudinal gradient ranging from 18°S to 41°S, on fruit crops, ornamental plants and trees. We sequenced the COI and 28S genes in each population. In total, 19 Diaspididae species and 11 Coccidae species were identified morphologically. From the 63 COI haplotypes and the 54 28S haplotypes uncovered, and using several DNA data analysis methods (Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery, K2P distance, NJ trees), up to 36 genetic clusters were detected. Morphological and DNA data were congruent, except for three species (Aspidiotus nerii, Hemiberlesia rapax and Coccus hesperidum) in which DNA data revealed highly differentiated lineages. More than 50% of the haplotypes obtained had no high-scoring matches with any of the sequences in the GenBank database. This study provides 63 COI and 54 28S barcode sequences for the identification of Coccoidea from Chile.
Observational Evidence for Desert Amplification Using Multiple Satellite Datasets
Authors: Wei Nan , Zhou Liming , Dai Yongjiu , Xia Geng , Hua Wenjian
Published: May 2017

Desert amplification identified in recent studies has large uncertainties due to data paucity over remote deserts. Here we present observational evidence using multiple satellite-derived datasets that desert amplification is a real large-scale pattern of warming mode in near surface and low-tropospheric temperatures. Trend analyses of three long-term temperature products consistently confirm that near-surface warming is generally strongest over the driest climate regions and this spatial pattern of warming maximizes near the surface, gradually decays with height, and disappears in the upper troposphere. Short-term anomaly analyses show a strong spatial and temporal coupling of changes in temperatures, water vapor and downward longwave radiation (DLR), indicating that the large increase in DLR drives primarily near surface warming and is tightly associated with increasing water vapor over deserts. Atmospheric soundings of temperature and water vapor anomalies support the results of the long-term temperature trend analysis and suggest that desert amplification is due to comparable warming and moistening effects of the troposphere. Likely, desert amplification results from the strongest water vapor feedbacks near the surface over the driest deserts, where the air is very sensitive to changes in water vapor and thus efficient in enhancing the longwave greenhouse effect in a warming climate.
Kv3.4 is modulated by HIF-1α to protect SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress-induced neural cell death
Authors: Song Min Seok , Ryu Pan Dong , Lee So Yeong
Published: May 2017

The Kv3.4 channel is characterized by fast inactivation and sensitivity to oxidation. However, the physiological role of Kv3.4 as an oxidation-sensitive channel has yet to be investigated. Here, we demonstrate that Kv3.4 plays a pivotal role in oxidative stress-related neural cell damage as an oxidation-sensitive channel and that HIF-1α down-regulates Kv3.4 function, providing neuroprotection. MPP+ and CoCl2 are reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating reagents that induce oxidative stress. However, only CoCl2 decreases the expression and function of Kv3.4. HIF-1α, which accumulates in response to CoCl2 treatment, is a key factor in Kv3.4 regulation. In particular, mitochondrial Kv3.4 was more sensitive to CoCl2. Blocking Kv3.4 function using BDS-II, a Kv3.4-specific inhibitor, protected SH-SY5Y cells against MPP+-induced neural cell death. Kv3.4 inhibition blocked MPP+-induced cytochrome c release from the mitochondrial intermembrane space to the cytosol and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, which are characteristic features of apoptosis. Our results highlight Kv3.4 as a possible new therapeutic paradigm for oxidative stress-related diseases, including Parkinson’s disease.
The complex tibial organ of the New Zealand ground weta: sensory adaptations for vibrational signal detection
Authors: Strauß Johannes , Lomas Kathryn , Field Laurence H.
Published: May 2017

In orthopteran insects, a complex tibial organ has evolved to detect substrate vibrations and/or airborne sound. Species of New Zealand weta (Anostostomatidae) with tympanal ears on the foreleg tibia use this organ to communicate by sound, while in atympanate species (which communicate by substrate drumming) the organ is unstudied. We investigated the complex tibial organ of the atympanate ground weta, Hemiandrus pallitarsis, for vibration detection adaptations. This system contains four sensory components (subgenual organ, intermediate organ, crista acustica homolog, accessory organ) in all legs, together with up to 90 scolopidial sensilla. Microcomputed tomography shows that the subgenual organ spans the hemolymph channel, with attachments suggesting that hemolymph oscillations displace the organ in a hinged-plate fashion. Subgenual sensilla are likely excited by substrate oscillations transmitted within the leg. Instead of the usual suspension within the middle of the tibial cavity, we show that the intermediate organ and crista acustica homolog comprise a cellular mass broadly attached to the anterior tibial wall. They likely detect cuticular vibrations, and not airborne sound. This atympanate complex tibial organ shows elaborate structural changes suggesting detection of vibrational stimuli by parallel input pathways, thus correlating well with the burrowing lifestyle and communication by substrate-transmitted vibration.
HOXA7, HOXA9, and HOXA10 are differentially expressed in clival and sacral chordomas
Authors: Jäger Daniela , Barth Thomas F. E. , Brüderlein Silke , Scheuerle Angelika , Rinner Beate , von Witzleben Adrian , Lechel André , Meyer Patrick , Mayer-Steinacker Regine , Baer Alexandra von , Schultheiss Markus , Wirtz Christian R. , Möller Peter , Mellert Kevin
Published: May 2017

Chordomas are rare tumours of the bone arising along the spine from clivus to sacrum. We compared three chordoma cell lines of the clivus region including the newly established clivus chordoma cell line, U-CH14, with nine chordoma cell lines originating from sacral primaries by morphology, on genomic and expression levels and with patient samples from our chordoma tissue bank. Clinically, chordomas of the clivus were generally smaller in size at presentation and patients with sacral chordomas had more metastases and more often recurrent disease. All chordoma cell lines had a typical physaliphorous morphology and expressed brachyury, S100-protein and cytokeratin. By expression analyses we detected differentially expressed genes in the clivus derived cell lines as compared to the sacral cell lines. Among these were HOXA7, HOXA9, and HOXA10 known to be important for the development of the anterior-posterior body axis. These results were confirmed by qPCR. Immunohistologically, clivus chordomas had no or very low levels of HOXA10 protein while sacral chordomas showed a strong nuclear positivity in all samples analysed. This differential expression of HOX genes in chordomas of the clivus and sacrum suggests an oncofetal mechanism in gene regulation linked to the anatomic site.
Functional interaction between FUS and SMN underlies SMA-like splicing changes in wild-type hFUS mice
Authors: Mirra Alessia , Rossi Simona , Scaricamazza Silvia , Di Salvio Michela , Salvatori Illari , Valle Cristiana , Rusmini Paola , Poletti Angelo , Cestra Gianluca , Carrì Maria Teresa , Cozzolino Mauro
Published: May 2017

Several of the identified genetic factors in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) point to dysfunction in RNA processing as a major pathogenic mechanism. However, whether a precise RNA pathway is particularly affected remains unknown. Evidence suggests that FUS, that is mutated in familial ALS, and SMN, the causative factor in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), cooperate to the same molecular pathway, i.e. regulation of alternative splicing, and that disturbances in SMN-regulated functions, either caused by depletion of SMN protein (as in the case of SMA) or by pathogenic interactions between FUS and SMN (as in the case of ALS) might be a common theme in both diseases. In this work, we followed these leads and tested their pathogenic relevance in vivo. FUS-associated ALS recapitulates, in transgenic mice, crucial molecular features that characterise mouse models of SMA, including defects in snRNPs distribution and in the alternative splicing of genes important for motor neurons. Notably, altering SMN levels by haploinsufficiency or overexpression does not impact the phenotypes of mouse or Drosophila models of FUS-mediated toxicity. Overall, these findings suggest that FUS and SMN functionally interact and that FUS may act downstream of SMN-regulated snRNP assembly in the regulation of alternative splicing and gene expression.
Phase-channel dynamics reveal the role of impurities and screening in a quasi-one-dimensional charge-density wave system
Authors: Thomson M. D. , Rabia K. , Meng F. , Bykov M. , van Smaalen S. , Roskos H. G.
Published: May 2017

Charge density waves (CDWs), i.e. the periodic spatial modulation of coupled electronic and lattice density, are ubiquitous in low-dimensional conductors and have taken on renewed relevance due their role in state-of-the-art materials, e.g. high-T
c
superconductors, topological insulators and low-dimensional carbon. As CDWs are described by a complex order parameter to represent both the amplitude and phase, they are formally analogous to BCS superconductors and spin-waves, providing a prototype of collective phenomena for the further development of field theories and ab-initio calculations of complex solids. The low-energy excitations are mixed electron-phonon quanta which ideally separate into an amplitude and phase channel, and provide a sensitive probe of the ground state and non-equilibrium dynamics, including ultrafast photoinduced phase transitions. While recent studies of the amplitude modes have brought substantial progress aided by a phenomenological Ginzburg-Landau framework, we focus here on the phase modes using ultrafast terahertz spectroscopy. Experiments on K0.3MoO3 provide a more complete picture, and reveal a high sensitivity to interactions with impurities and screening effects from photogenerated carriers, both of which can be accounted for by generalizations of the model. Moreover, our considerations emphasize the need to revisit the treatment of inherent electronic damping in quantum-mechanical CDW theories.
Single-cell, single-mRNA analysis of Ccnb1 promoter regulation
Authors: Vishnoi Nidhi , Yao Jie
Published: May 2017

Promoter activation drives gene transcriptional output. Here we report generating site-specifically integrated single-copy promoter transgenes and measuring their expression to indicate promoter activities at single-mRNA level. mRNA counts, Pol II density and Pol II firing rates of the Ccnb1 promoter transgene resembled those of the native Ccnb1 gene both among asynchronous cells and during the cell cycle. We observed distinct activation states of the Ccnb1 promoter among G1 and G2/M cells, suggesting cell cycle-independent origin of cell-to-cell variation in Ccnb1 promoter activation. Expressing a dominant-negative mutant of NF-YA, a key transcriptional activator of the Ccnb1 promoter, increased its “OFF”/“ON” time ratios but did not alter Pol II firing rates during the “ON” period. Furthermore, comparing H3K4me2 and H3K79me2 levels at the Ccnb1 promoter transgene and the native Ccnb1 gene indicated that the enrichment of these two active histone marks did not predispose higher transcriptional activities. In summary, this experimental system enables bridging transcription imaging with molecular analysis to provide novel insights into eukaryotic transcriptional regulation.
Associations between Left Ventricular Cavity Size and Cardiac Function and Overload Determined by Natriuretic Peptide Levels and a Covariance Structure Analysis
Authors: Yoshida Jun , Kawai Makoto , Minai Kosuke , Ogawa Kazuo , Ogawa Takayuki , Yoshimura Michihiro
Published: May 2017

The effects of left ventricular (LV) cavity size on cardiac function and overload have not yet been fully elucidated. We performed a covariance structure analysis and drew theoretical path models to clarify the effects of hemodynamic parameters on the stroke volume index (SVI) as a marker of cardiac function and on the plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level as a marker of cardiac overload. We simultaneously measured various hemodynamic parameters and the BNP levels during cardiac catheterization in 1,715 inpatients of our institution. The current path models tested the validity of the Frank-Starling law in patients with heart failure using the SVI, the LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) and the LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI). Using the BNP levels, the path models clearly demonstrated that LVESVI substantially augmented cardiac overload, whereas LVEDVI palliated this parameter. These volume indices exerted opposite effects on cardiac function and overload. These results advance the understanding of the relationships between LV cavity size and both cardiac function and overload and indicate the increasing importance of LV diastolic volume in heart failure and the utility of LVESVI as an important marker of cardiac remodeling for further relevant studies.
Weak stromal Caveolin-1 expression in colorectal liver metastases predicts poor prognosis after hepatectomy for liver-only colorectal metastases
Authors: Neofytou Kyriakos , Pikoulis Emmanouil , Petrou Athanasios , Agrogiannis Georgios , Petrides Christos , Papakonstandinou Ioannis , Papalambros Alexandros , Aggelou Anastasios , Kavatzas Nikolaos , Liakakos Theodoros , Felekouras Evangelos
Published: May 2017

Loss of stromal Caveolin-1 (CAV1) expression is associated with poor prognosis in various cancers. We evaluated the prognostic value of CAV1 expression of both cancer cells and stromal cells in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) in patients undergoing hepatectomy. In this retrospective study, 109 patients were enrolled. CAV1 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. The staining was scored semiquantitatively as weak or strong. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using both Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Coxregression methods. Weak stromal CAV1 expression was associated with decreased DFS and OS in univariate and in multivariate analysis (HR 2.00; 95% CI, 1.24–3.22; P = 0.004, and HR 2.47; 95% CI, 1.28–4.76; P = 0.007, respectively). Cancer cell CAV1 expression was not associated with DFS and OS. Five-year DFS and OS rates were 13% and 43%, respectively, in patients with weak stromal CAV1 expression and 40% and 71%, respectively, in patients with strong stromal CAV1 expression. In this study, we indicate that weak stromal CAV1 expression in CRLM is an adverse prognostic factor in patients who undergo liver resection for liver-only colorectal metastases. We suggest validation of this finding in an independent cohort and consideration of risk stratification for post-hepatectomy adjuvant follow-up and therapy.
Variation of Nanostructures, Molecular Interactions, and Anisotropic Elastic Moduli of Lignocellulosic Cell Walls with Moisture
Authors: Youssefian S. , Jakes J. E. , Rahbar N.
Published: May 2017

A combination of experimental, theoretical and numerical studies is used to investigate the variation of elastic moduli of lignocellulosic (bamboo) fiber cell walls with moisture content (MC). Our Nanoindentation results show that the longitudinal elastic modulus initially increased to a maximum value at about 3% MC and then decreased linearly with increasing MC. In contrast, the transverse moduli decrease linearly with MC. We showed that amorphous materials in cell walls have key roles in the variation of elastic modulus with increasing MC. Elastic modulus of lignin, calculated by molecular dynamics simulations, increases initially with increasing MC, and then decreases. In contrast, elastic modulus of hemicellulose decreases constantly with MC. Below 10% MC, water molecules tend to break hydrogen bonds between polymer chains and form new hydrogen bond bridges between the polymer chains, while above 10% MC, water molecules aggregate together and create nano-droplets inside the materials. During the process of bridging, the fractional free volume of lignin decreases. The free volume reduction along with formation of hydrogen bond bridges causes a growth in elastic modulus of lignin at low MC. The constant increase of hemicellulose free volume, however, causes the aggregation of voids in the system and diminution of elastic properties.
The Fragment HMGA2-sh-3p20 from HMGA2 mRNA 3′UTR Promotes the Growth of Hepatoma Cells by Upregulating HMGA2
Authors: Wang Yuan , Chen Fuquan , Yang Zhe , Zhao Man , Zhang Shuqin , Gao Yuen , Feng Jinyan , Yang Guang , Zhang Weiying , Ye Lihong , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: May 2017

High mobility group A2 (HMGA2) plays a crucial role in the development of cancer. However, the mechanism by which HMGA2 promotes the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Here, we explore the hypothesis that HMGA2 may enhance the growth of hepatoma cells through a fragment based on the secondary structure of HMGA2 mRNA 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR). Bioinformatics analysis showed that HMGA2 mRNA displayed a hairpin structure within its 3′UTR, termed HMGA2-sh. Mechanistically, RNA immunoprecipitation assays showed that the microprocessor Drosha or DGCR8 interacted with HMGA2 mRNA in hepatoma cells. Then, Dicer contributes to the generation of the fragment HMGA2-sh-3p20 from the HMGA2-sh. HMGA2-sh-3p20 was screened by PCR analysis. Interestingly, HMGA2-sh-3p20 increased the expression of HMGA2 through antagonizing the tristetraprolin (TTP)-mediated degradation of HMGA2. HMGA2-sh-3p20 inhibited the expression of PTEN by targeting the 3′UTR of PTEN mRNA. In addition, the overexpression of PTEN could downregulate HMGA2 expression. Significantly, we documented the ability of HMGA2-sh-3p20 to promote the growth of hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we conclude that the fragment HMGA2-sh-3p20 from HMGA2 mRNA 3′UTR promotes the growth of hepatoma cells by upregulating HMGA2. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism by which HMGA2 enhances hepatocarcinogenesis.
Fabrication of superhydrophobic surface by oxidation growth of flower-like nanostructure on a steel foil
Authors: Weng Rui , Zhang Haifeng , Yin Liang , Rong Wanting , Wu Zhiwen , Liu Xiaowei
Published: May 2017

A novel method to fabricate the superhydrophobic surface with a 3D flower-like micro-nanostructure on the steel foil was presented here. The surface shows good drag reduction effect and has numerous technical applications in drag reduction field.
Proteomic analysis of prognostic plasma biomarkers in peripheral arterial occlusive disease
Authors: Yang Cheng-San , Wei Yu-Shan , Tsai Han-Lin , Cheong Ian-Seng , Chang Shing-Jyh , Chou Hsiu-Chuan , Lee Ying-Ray , Chan Hong-Lin
Published: May 2017

A comprehensive patient-based plasma proteomic approach for the identification of potential plasma biomarkers for the screening and detection of good/poor prognosis of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).
Genetic incorporation of 4-fluorohistidine into peptides enables selective affinity purification
Authors: Ring Christine M. , Iqbal Emil S. , Hacker David E. , Hartman Matthew C. T. , Cropp T. Ashton
Published: May 2017

Fluorohistidine allows for selective affinity enrichment of peptides bearing F-his tags.
Divergent syntheses of iodinated isobenzofuranones and isochromenones by iodolactonization of 2-alkynylbenzoic acids in ionic liquids
Authors: Mancuso Raffaella , Pomelli Christian C. , Malafronte Francesco , Maner Asif , Marino Nadia , Chiappe Cinzia , Gabriele Bartolo
Published: May 2017

2-Alkynylbenzoic acids can be divergently iodocyclized to either isobenzofuranones or isochromenones by changing the nature of the ionic liquid medium.
Asymmetric synthesis of CF3-containing tetrahydroquinoline via a thiourea-catalyzed cascade reaction
Authors: Zhu Yuanyuan , Li Boyu , Wang Cui , Dong Zhenghao , Zhong Xiaoling , Wang Kairong , Yan Wenjin , Wang Rui
Published: May 2017

The first example of the asymmetric introduction of CF3 into the 2-position of tetrahydroquinolines was described by using β-CF3-nitroalkene as the building block.
Controlling solid-state optical properties of stimuli responsive dimethylamino-substituted dibenzoylmethane materials
Authors: Butler Tristan , Wang Fang , Sabat Michal , Fraser Cassandra L.
Published: May 2017

Dimethylamino β-diketones with electron donating and withdrawing substituents displayed solvatochromism and aggregation induced emission. In the solid state, a blue to orange color range and thermal and mechanoresponsive properties were achieved.
A direct metal-free C2–H functionalization of quinoline N-oxides: a highly selective amination and alkylation strategy towards 2-substituted quinolines
Authors: Bi Wen-Zhu , Sun Kai , Qu Chen , Chen Xiao-Lan , Qu Ling-Bo , Zhu Shao-Hua , Li Xu , Wu Hai-Tao , Duan Li-Kun , Zhao Yu-Fen
Published: May 2017

An efficient one-pot methodology for C2-selective amination and alkylation of quinoline N-oxides was developed in the presence of diethyl H-phosphonate.
Scaling the effect of hydrophobic chain length on gene transfer properties of di-alkyl, di-hydroxy ethylammonium chloride based cationic amphiphiles
Authors: Hiwale Ankita A. , Voshavar Chandrashekhar , Dharmalingam Priya , Dhayani Ashish , Mukthavaram Rajesh , Nadella Rasajna , Sunnapu Omprakash , Gandhi Sivaraman , Naidu V. G. M. , Chaudhuri Arabinda , Marepally Srujan , Vemula Praveen Kumar
Published: May 2017

Asymmetric hydrocarbon chains influence the efficiency of cationic lipids based liposomes in nucleic acid delivery. A systematic investigation of role of asymmetry in transfection efficiency.
Modelling of an equivalent circuit for Cu2ZnSnS4- and Cu2ZnSnSe4-based thin film solar cells
Authors: Shibayama Naoyuki , Zhang Yiwen , Satake Tetsuo , Sugiyama Mutsumi
Published: May 2017

The internal resistance and quality of the interface in CZTS solar cells were investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Edge hydrogenation-induced spin-filtering and negative differential resistance effects in zigzag silicene nanoribbons with line defects
Authors: Li Xiaoteng , Zou Dongqing , Cui Bin , Fang Changfeng , Zhao Jingfen , Li Dongmei , Liu Desheng
Published: May 2017

We investigate the effects of line defects (558-defect and 57-defect) and edge hydrogenation (mono-hydrogenation and di-hydrogenation) on magnetism and spin transport of zigzag silicene nanoribbons (ZSiNRs) by first-principles calculations.
The effect and nature of N–H complexes in the control of the dominant photoluminescence transitions in UV-hydrogenated GaInNAs
Authors: Brown C. R. , Estes N. J. , Whiteside V. R. , Wang B. , Hossain K. , Golding T. D. , Leroux M. , Al Khalfioui M. , Tischler J. G. , Ellis C. T. , Glaser E. R. , Sellers I. R.
Published: May 2017

A study of certain defects in GaInNAs, and their passivation. The passivation process could lead to more efficient photovoltaic devices.
Rational design of N-doped carbon nanobox-supported Fe/Fe2N/Fe3C nanoparticles as efficient oxygen reduction catalysts for Zn–air batteries
Authors: Cao Lei , Li Zhen-huan , Gu Yu , Li Dao-hao , Su Kun-mei , Yang Dong-jiang , Cheng Bo-wen
Published: May 2017

Fe–N-CNBs-600 catalyst derived from fructose, NH3 and FeCl3 was prepared. The catalyst exhibits higher electrochemical properties in Zn–air batteries.
A promising dual mode SPECT/CT imaging platform based on99mTc-labeled multifunctional dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles
Authors: Wen Shihui , Zhao Lingzhou , Zhao Qinghua , Li Du , Liu Changcun , Yu Zhibo , Shen Mingwu , Majoral Jean-Pierre , Mignani Serge , Zhao Jinhua , Shi Xiangyang
Published: May 2017

Multifunctional99mTc-labeled dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles modified with different surface groups can be used for preferential SPECT/CT imaging of different organs.
A metal–organic framework based nanocomposite with co-encapsulation of Pd@Au nanoparticles and doxorubicin for pH- and NIR-triggered synergistic chemo-photothermal treatment of cancer cells
Authors: Yang Xue , Li Liling , He Dinggeng , Hai Luo , Tang Jinlu , Li Haifeng , He Xiaoxiao , Wang Kemin
Published: May 2017

A novel metal–organic framework nanocomposite with co-encapsulating of Pd@Au nanoparticles and doxorubicin for chemo-photothermal treatment of cancer cells.
A reversible ratiometric two-photon lysosome-targeted probe for real-time monitoring of pH changes in living cells
Authors: Luo Weifang , Jiang Huie , Tang Xiaoliang , Liu Weisheng
Published: May 2017

A reversible ratiometric two-photon lysosome-targeted probe that can monitor real-time pH changes in living cells.
Multifunctional sustainable materials: the role of carbon existing protein in the enhanced gas and UV sensing performances of ZnO-based biofilms
Authors: Kathiravan Deepa , Huang Bohr-Ran , Saravanan Adhimoorthy
Published: May 2017

Due to environmental problems such as global warming and ozone depletion, it is essential to detect harmful UV rays from sunlight and to commercialize a clean energy source (H2), and both issues require a reliable sensor.
Employer Reactions to Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia: Exploring the Influence of Symptom Severity and Disclosure of Diagnosis During a Simulated Telephone Interview
Authors: Isetti Derek D. , Baylor Carolyn R. , Burns Michael I. , Eadie Tanya L.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of symptom severity and disclosure of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) on the perceptions of human resource personnel members (HRPs) during a simulated phone interview.

Method

One female speaker with ADSD was recorded reading an interview script at two time points: (a) pre-BOTOX injection (severe), and (b) post-BOTOX injection (mild). Thirty-two HRPs evaluated the recording in one of the two conditions via a qualitative structured interview. HRPs gave their recommendations regarding when and how to disclose ADSD.

Results

In the mild condition, no HRP perceived that the applicant had a voice disorder. Disclosure was not recommended as often, as an impairment was not initially noticed. However, 15/16 HRPs commented on the applicant's voice in the severe condition, with most suspecting she was a smoker or had lung/throat cancer. Disclosure in the severe condition was recommended more often, as it clarified symptoms that were noted at the outset.

Conclusions

Symptom severity in ADSD influences employer perceptions during the phone interview process. Incorrect assumptions may be made about applicants with severe symptoms, and apparentness of symptoms influences whether or not disclosure is recommended. Results have implications for counseling individuals with ADSD who are navigating the job interview process.
Spoken Language Production in Young Adults: Examining Syntactic Complexity
Authors: Nippold Marilyn A. , Frantz-Kaspar Megan W. , Vigeland Laura M.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

In this study, we examined syntactic complexity in the spoken language samples of young adults. Its purpose was to contribute to the expanding knowledge base in later language development and to begin building a normative database of language samples that potentially could be used to evaluate young adults with known or suspected language impairment.

Method

Forty adults (mean age = 22 years, 10 months) with typical language development participated in an interview that consisted of 3 speaking tasks: a general conversation about common, everyday topics; a narrative retelling task that involved fables; and a question-and-answer, critical-thinking task about the fables. Each speaker's interview was audio-recorded, transcribed, broken into communication units, coded for main and subordinate clauses, entered into Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (Miller, Iglesias, & Nockerts, 2004), and analyzed for mean length of communication unit and clausal density.

Results

Both the narrative and critical-thinking tasks elicited significantly greater syntactic complexity than the conversational task. It was also found that syntactic complexity was significantly greater during the narrative task than the critical-thinking task.

Conclusion

Syntactic complexity was best revealed by a narrative task that involved fables. The study offers benchmarks for language development during early adulthood.
Kaleidoscopic patterning of micro‐objects based on software‐oriented approach using dual optical tweezers with a microlens array
Authors: Tanaka Yoshio
Published: May 2017

Dynamical and precise arrangement of micro‐objects into the specified various pattern offers great flexibility and potential as platforms for many scientific applications, especially in bio‐sensing and biomedical fields such as bio‐MEMS and Lab‐on‐a‐Chip. Multi‐beam optical tweezers are one of the most suitable tools for assembling precise dynamic arrays of micro‐objects. Herein, a dynamic patterning method based on software‐oriented approach is proposed (i.e. time‐shared scanning technique) using the dual optical tweezers with a microlens array. The proposed method can expand the patterning capability of this dual optical tweezers system to simply fabricate various quasi‐periodic structures. The work also demonstrates kaleidoscopic patterning (periodic or symmetric arrangements such as Escher's paintings) of numerous microbeads and subsequent morphing. In the demonstrations, microbeads with different properties (size and colour) as well as homogeneous microbeads are arranged dynamically into the specified patterns, including their clusters.
Citric acid cross‐linking of centrifugally spun starch‐based fibres
Authors: Li Xianglong , Hou Teng , Lu Yishen , Yang Bin
Published: May 2017

Many research papers have demonstrated that the starch‐based fibres showed poor water stability. In this work, it is proven that citric acid can cross‐link starch and improve the water stability of centrifugally spun starch‐based fibres. The effect of citric acid concentration on fibre morphology and water stability was studied. Fibre morphology was characterised by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscope. Fourier transform infrared analysis was used to investigate structure changes of fibres during cross‐linking.
Lernen von Geheimagenten
Authors: Schulte Barbara
Published: May 2017

Den Buchtipp habe ich von einer geschätzten Mitarbeiterin unseres Klinikum Region Hannover GmbH erhalten.
Role of New Media for the Young Pediatric Surgeon: Fighting Exponential Knowledge Growth with Moore's Law
Authors: Glenn Ian , Abdulhai Sophia , Ponsky Todd
Published: May 2017

Like all physicians, the young pediatric surgeon must deal with an ever-growing body of scientific knowledge. The overabundance of new medical information which must be digested by practicing surgeons is reaching a breaking point such that radical adaptations will be required on the part of textbook publishing companies, medical societies, and peer-reviewed journals. This article first delves into the details of the problem in its current state and then draws on the authors' experience in innovations in medical education to prepare readers for the changing landscape of medical publishing as well as to inspire further modernization of the field. Included are a variety of interim solutions to the tremendous knowledge gap encountered.