bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative population genetic structure of redbelly tilapia (Coptodon zillii (Gervais, 1848)) from three different aquatic habitats in Egypt
Authors: Soliman Taha , Aly Walid , Fahim Reda M. , Berumen Michael L. , Jenke‐Kodama Holger , Bernardi Giacomo
Published: November 2017

Recently, tilapia have become increasingly important in aquaculture and fisheries worldwide. They are one of the major protein sources in many African countries and are helping to combat malnutrition. Therefore, maintenance and conservation genetics of wild populations of tilapia are of great significance. In this study, we report the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of the redbelly tilapia (Coptodon zillii) in three different Egyptian aquatic environments: brackish (Lake Idku), marine (Al‐Max Bay), and freshwater (Lake Nasser). The habitat differences, environmental factors, and harvesting pressures are the main characteristics of the sampling sites. Three mitochondrial DNA markers (COI: cytochrome oxidase subunit I; the D‐loop; CYTB: cytochrome b) were used to assess population structure differences among the three populations. The population at Lake Nasser presented the highest genetic diversity (Hd = 0.8116, H = 6), and the marine population of Al‐Max Bay the lowest (Hd = 0.2391, H = 4) of the combined sequences. In addition, the phylogenetic haplotype network showed private haplotypes in each environmental habitat. Results presented here will be useful in aquaculture to introduce the appropriate broodstock for future aquaculture strategies of C. zillii. In addition, evidence of population structure may contribute to the management of tilapia fisheries in Egyptian waters.
Percolation observations in an arid piedmont watershed and linkages to historical conditions in the Chihuahuan Desert
Authors: Schreiner‐McGraw Adam P. , Vivoni Enrique R.
Published: November 2017

A critical hydrologic process in arid and semiarid regions is the interaction between ephemeral channels and groundwater aquifers. Generally, it has been found that ephemeral channels contribute to groundwater recharge when streamflow infiltrates into the sandy bottoms of channels. This process has traditionally been studied in channels that drain large areas (tens to hundreds of square kilometers). Since the water table in arid and semiarid regions is typically far from the surface, measured streamflow losses or percolation into the deep vadose zone is equated to groundwater recharge. In this study, we use a water balance approach to estimate deep percolation in a first‐order, instrumented watershed (4.7 ha) on a piedmont slope of the Jornada Experimental Range (JER) in the Chihuahuan Desert. Results indicate that runoff generated within the piedmont slope contributes significantly to deep percolation. During the short‐term 6‐yr study period, we estimated 385 mm of total percolation, 62 mm/yr, or a ratio of percolation to rainfall of 0.26. Based on the instrument network, we identified that percolation occurs inside channel areas when these receive overland sheetflow from hillslopes. We observed less streamflow leaving the watershed as compared to percolation during the study period, leading to an outlet streamflow to rainfall ratio of 0.02. Using long‐term data sets available from the JER, we estimate that over the last 100 yr, 48 mm/yr of percolation occurs at the study site, a ratio of percolation to rainfall of 0.19. We then scale this up to determine the contribution of similarly sized watersheds on the piedmont slopes of the JER. These observations highlight the importance of arid piedmont slopes for generating groundwater recharge, in particular during above‐average rainfall periods.
(Di‐tert‐butylphosphanylethyl)cyclopentadienylnickel Chelates with Alkyl, Alkenyl, Aryl, and Alkynyl Ligands: Hints to Cumulenylidene Resonance Forms
Authors: Kohser Stefanie , Butenschön Holger
Published: November 2017

Cyclopentadienylalkylphosphane chelate complexes have been investigated in depth for many transition matals, but to a much lesser extent for nickel. On the basis of earlier investigations of cyclopentadienylalkylphosphane nickel chelates, a number of new alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, and alkynyl complexes, including some bearing functional groups, were prepared and fully characterized. These include for the first time di‐ and trimetallic complexes as well as compounds with a ferrocene unit as part of the extended π system. A number of quaternized 2‐pyridylethynyl complexes are presented, for which cyclovoltammograms, NMR spectroscopic data, and DFT calculations provide hints to a significant contribution of cumulenylidene resonance forms.
Ionic Liquids for Fast and Solvent‐Free Nucleophilic Trifluoromethylthiolation of Alkyl Halides and Alcohols
Authors: Anselmi Elsa , Simon Cédric , Marrot Jérôme , Bernardelli Patrick , Schio Laurent , Pégot Bruce , Magnier Emmanuel
Published: November 2017

The trifluoromethylthio group is of rising interest in medicinal, agrochemical, and materials chemistry. Although several strategies for the introduction of this functional group have been described, new synthetic methods are needed. A novel ionic liquid, 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium trifluoromethylthiolate, has been developed and is herein reported as an efficient and recyclable in situ generated trifluoromethylthiolating reagent for alkyl halides, sulfonates, and even unactivated alcohols under solvent‐free conditions.
1,7‐Difluorophore‐Substituted AzaBODIPYs
Authors: Koch Angira , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: November 2017

Four different 1,7‐disubstituted azaBODIPYs containing fluorophores such as naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene were synthesized over multiple steps involving aldol condensation, Michael addition, dipyrromethene formation, and BF2 complexation. All of these steps were optimized, and the target 1,7‐difluoro‐substituted azaBODIPYs along with other intermediate compounds were thoroughly characterized by HRMS and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Absorption and electrochemical studies indicated a strong interaction between the fluorophores and the azaBODIPY moieties in compounds 1–4. Fluorescence studies revealed that 1,7‐disubstituted azaBODIPYs with naphthalene and pyrene fluorophores were fluorescent and that singlet–singlet energy transfer from the fluorophores to the azaBODIPY moiety was possible, whereas 1,7‐dianthracenyl‐substituted azaBODIPY was completely nonfluorescent owing to efficient photoinduced electron transfer between the anthracene and azaBODIPY moieties.
Mono‐, Di‐, and Tri‐Hydroxylated Symmetrical Hexamethylcucurbit[3,3]uril and Allylated Derivatives
Authors: Wang Xin‐Xin , Chen Kai , Shen Fang‐Fang , Wang Yuan , Zhang Yun‐Qian , Tao Zhu , Cong Hang
Published: November 2017

Mono‐, di, and tri‐hydroxylated hexamethylcucurbit[3,3]urils (Q[n]s), {(OH)Me6Q[3,3], (OH)2Me6Q[3,3], and (OH)3Me6Q[3,3]}, have been prepared through a photochemical method whereby limited hydroxyl group(s) can be directly introduced on the parent symmetrical hexamethylcucurbit[3,3]uril (Me6Q[3,3]). These three hydroxylated Me6Q[3,3]s have been characterized by means of NMR, MS, and X‐ray crystallographic techniques. Further chemical allylation of these hydroxylated Me6Q[3,3]s has also been performed.
Recent Advances in the Development of Anode Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Utilizing Liquid Oxygenated Hydrocarbon Fuels: A Mini Review
Authors: Wang Wei , Qu Jifa , Julião Paulo Sérgio Barros , Shao Zongping
Published: November 2017

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are the most widely used fuel cells due to their excellent fuel flexibility, high efficiency and low emissions. Although the liquid fuels are easier to handle and transport than hydrogen, their direct use in SOFC leads to serious performance deterioration because of the coke formation on the traditional Ni‐based cermet anodes. In this review, the advances in the development of coking resistant anodes and the new liquid fuels such as oxygenated hydrocarbons to solve the problem of coke formation with Ni‐based anodes are summarized. It is concluded that Ni‐based cermets are still the most promising anode materials and some targeted modifications are needed to improve the coking resistance. Several strategies to improve the coking resistance of Ni‐based anodes are highlighted. The aim of this review is to provide some helpful guidance and potential directions for the future design of anodes for SOFCs utilizing liquid oxygenated hydrocarbon fuels directly.
Cu‐ and Co‐Modified Pd/C Nanoparticles as the High Performance Cathodic Catalysts for Mg‐H2O2 Semi‐Fuel Cell
Authors: Sun L. , Shi L. , Zhang S. , He W. , Zhang Y.
Published: November 2017

We had prepared PdxCoy/C and PdxCuy/C nanocatalysts with different actomic ratio of Pd and Co or Cu via modified sodium borohydride reduction method and investigated their electrocatalytic properties for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reduction reaction with emphases on the effects of composition and structure. The activities of PdxCoy/C and PdxCuy/C catalysts increased firstly and then decreased with the amount of Pd adding. Both the Pd8Co/C and Pd8Cu/C showed the better catalytic performance than that of the other Pd and Co or Cu atomic ratio. The Pd8Co and Pd8Cu NPs were 3–4 nm in size and uniformly distributed on the C surface in an alloy way. The Pd8Co/C and Pd8Cu/C catalysts exhibited a superior activity and stability on H2O2 electroreduction reaction than the Pd/C and the commercial Pd/C (JM) catalysts, which due to Co and Cu enter into the Pd lattice and alter the electronic structure of Pd. The Mg‐H2O2 semi‐fuel cells with the two catalysts supported on the carbon paper as the cathodes expressed a peak power density of 140 mW cm−2 for the Pd8Co/C cathode and 168 mW cm−2 for the Pd8Cu/C cathode.
Spontaneous neural activity differences in posttraumatic stress disorder: A quantitative resting‐state meta‐analysis and fMRI validation
Authors: Disner Seth G. , Marquardt Craig A. , Mueller Bryon A. , Burton Philip C. , Sponheim Scott R.
Published: November 2017

Identifying the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a critical step toward reducing its debilitating impact. Spontaneous neural activity, measured at rest using various neuroimaging techniques (e.g., regional homogeneity [ReHo], amplitude of low frequency fluctuations [ALFF]), can provide insight about baseline neurobiological factors influencing sensory, cognitive, or behavioral processes associated with PTSD. The present study used activation likelihood estimation (ALE) to conduct the largest‐to‐date quantitative meta‐analysis of spontaneous neural activity in PTSD, including 457 PTSD cases, 292 trauma‐exposed controls (TECs), and 293 non‐traumatized controls (NTCs) across 22 published studies. Five regions‐of‐interest (ROIs) were identified where activity differed between PTSD cases and controls: one when compared to all controls (left globus pallidus), two when compared to TECs (left inferior parietal lobule [IPL] and right lingual gyrus), and two when compared to NTCs (left amygdala and right caudate head). To corroborate these results, a second analysis was conducted using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging on an independent sample of 205 previously‐deployed US military veterans. In this analysis, converging evidence from ReHo and ALFF showed that spontaneous neural activity in the left IPL alone was positively correlated with PTSD symptom severity. This result is consistent with theoretical accounts that link left IPL activity with PTSD‐relevant processes such as processing of emotional stimuli (e.g., fearful faces) and the extent that attention is captured by salient autobiographical memories. By modeling the neurobiological correlates of PTSD, we can increase our understanding of this debilitating disorder and guide the development of future clinical innovations.
Chronnectome fingerprinting: Identifying individuals and predicting higher cognitive functions using dynamic brain connectivity patterns
Authors: Liu Jin , Liao Xuhong , Xia Mingrui , He Yong
Published: November 2017

The human brain is a large, interacting dynamic network, and its architecture of coupling among brain regions varies across time (termed the “chronnectome”). However, very little is known about whether and how the dynamic properties of the chronnectome can characterize individual uniqueness, such as identifying individuals as a “fingerprint” of the brain. Here, we employed multiband resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from the Human Connectome Project (N = 105) and a sliding time‐window dynamic network analysis approach to systematically examine individual time‐varying properties of the chronnectome. We revealed stable and remarkable individual variability in three dynamic characteristics of brain connectivity (i.e., strength, stability, and variability), which was mainly distributed in three higher order cognitive systems (i.e., default mode, dorsal attention, and fronto‐parietal) and in two primary systems (i.e., visual and sensorimotor). Intriguingly, the spatial patterns of these dynamic characteristics of brain connectivity could successfully identify individuals with high accuracy and could further significantly predict individual higher cognitive performance (e.g., fluid intelligence and executive function), which was primarily contributed by the higher order cognitive systems. Together, our findings highlight that the chronnectome captures inherent functional dynamics of individual brain networks and provides implications for individualized characterization of health and disease.
Evaluating equilibrium and non‐equilibrium transport of ammonium in a loam soil column
Authors: Hou Lizhu , Hu Bill X. , Qi Zhiming , Yang Huan
Published: November 2017

Release of nitrogen compounds into groundwater, particularly those compounds from excessive agricultural fertilization, is a major concern in an aquifer recharge. Among the nitrogen compounds, ammonium (
) is a common one. In order to assess the risk of agricultural fertilizer contamination to an aquifer through infiltration,
adsorption onto a loamy agricultural soil profile (0–0.60 m depth) was studied using a soil column experiment and modelling simulation. The soil used in the experiment was drawn from an agricultural field in Xinzhen, Fangshan district, Beijing, China, and reconstituted in laboratory soil columns. Column experiments were conducted using bromide (conservative tracer) and
‐bearing aqueous solutions. The ammonium concentrations in the soil water samples were measured, and their values were plotted as the
breakthrough curves. The chemical's soil–water distribution coefficients (Kd) were calculated using breakthrough curves. Then the retardation factor (R) in saturated soil was calculated. For the
‐bearing aqueous solutions, the strongest
adsorption occurred at the soil depth of 0.30–0.45 m. The convection–dispersion equation model and chemical non‐equilibrium model in Hydrus‐1D were used to simulate
transport in the loamy soil. The two‐site chemical non‐equilibrium model in Hydrus‐1D was best to simulate
transport through the soil column. Parameter sensitivity study was conducted to investigate the influences of solute transport by Kd, the fraction of exchange sites assuming to be in equilibrium with the solution phase (f), the longitudinal dispersivity (λ), and the first‐order rate coefficients (ω). The sensitivity analysis results indicate Kd is the most critical parameter.
Measuring hydrological connectivity inside a soil by low field nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry
Authors: Conte Pellegrino , Ferro Vito
Published: November 2017

Hydrological connectivity inside the soil is related to the spatial patterns inside the soil (i.e., the structural connectivity). This, in turn, is directly associated with the physical and the chemical processes at a molecular level (i.e., the functional connectivity). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry can be successfully applied to reveal both structural and functional components of soil hydrological connectivity. In the present study, the low field NMR relaxometry was applied on water suspended soils sampled at the upstream‐ and downstream‐end of three different length plots. Also the sediments collected from the storage tanks at the end of each plot were water suspended and monitored by NMR relaxometry. The results from the NMR investigations were elaborated by using a mathematical approach in order to quantify both the functional and structural connectivity components. In particular, following integration of the T1 distribution curve, an S‐shaped curve was obtained. It revealed two plateaus corresponding to the shortest (low component) and the longest (high component) intervals of relaxation times, respectively. According to relaxometry theory, the two T1 intervals, associated to the different plateaus, were attributed to micro and macro soil pores, respectively. The two T1 intervals were used to define a functional connectivity index, while the central part of the S‐shaped distribution was used to define a structural connectivity index. Here we provide the physical meaning of the our mathematical approach, thereby revealing that functional connectivity index increases with plot length, as a result of a selective eroded particle transport. Moreover, the relationship structural connectivity index versus plot length resulted quasi‐independent of grainsize distribution, whereas the values of the structural connectivity index for the sediment samples resulted lower than those obtained for the corresponding soils.
Accurate prediction and elucidation of drug resistance based on the robust and reproducible chemoresponse communities
Authors: Dai Enyu , Wang Jing , Yang Feng , Zhou Xu , Song Qian , Wang Shuyuan , Yu Xuexin , Liu Dianming , Yang Qian , Dai Hong , Jiang Wei , Ling Hong
Published: November 2017

Selecting the available treatment for each cancer patient from genomic context is a core goal of precision medicine, but innovative approaches with mechanism interpretation and improved performance are still highly needed. Through utilizing in vitro chemotherapy response data coupled with gene and miRNA expression profiles, we applied a network‐based approach that identified markers not as individual molecules but as functional groups extracted from the integrated transcription factor and miRNA regulatory network. Based on the identified chemoresponse communities, the predictors of drug resistance achieved high accuracy in cross‐validation and were more robust and reproducible than conventional single‐molecule markers. Meanwhile, as candidate communities not only enriched abundant cellular process but also covered a variety of drug enzymes, transporters, and targets, these resulting chemoresponse communities furnished novel models to interpret multiple kinds of potential regulatory mechanism, such as dysregulation of cancer cell apoptosis or disturbance of drug metabolism. Moreover, compounds were linked based on the enrichment of their common chemoresponse communities to uncover undetected response patterns and possible multidrug resistance phenotype. Finally, an omnibus repository named ChemoCommunity (http://www.jianglab.cn/ChemoCommunity/) was constructed, which furnished a user‐friendly interface for a convenient retrieval of the detailed information on chemoresponse communities. Taken together, our method, and the accompanying database, improved the performance of classifiers for drug resistance and provided novel model to uncover the possible regulatory mechanism of individual response to drug.
A toxicogenomics approach to screen chlorinated flame retardants tris(2‐chloroethyl) phosphate and tris(2‐chloroisopropyl) phosphate for potential health effects
Authors: Krivoshiev Boris V. , Beemster Gerrit T.S. , Sprangers Katrien , Blust Ronny , Husson Steven J.
Published: November 2017

Tris(2‐chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) is a pervasive flame retardant that has been identified as a chemical of concern given its health effects and therefore its use has since been tightly regulated. Tris(2‐chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), an analogue of TCEP, is believed to be its replacement. However, compared to TCEP, little is known of the toxicological impacts of TCIPP. We used RNA sequencing as unbiased and sensitive tool to identify and compare effects on a transcriptome level of TCEP and TCIPP in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HepG2. We identified that compared to other flame retardants, TCEP and TCIPP had little cytotoxicity. Treatment with sub‐cytotoxic concentrations of the two compounds revealed that both chemicals elicited similar effects; both compounds were found to affect genes involved in immune responses and steroid hormone biosynthesis, while also affecting xenobiotic metabolism pathways in a similar manner. Specifically for effects on immune responses, both compounds were shown to alter the expression of the receptor of the potent and pleiotropic complement component, C5a. Additionally, expression of genes encoding for effector proteins involved in the complement cascade along with other potent inflammatory regulators were found altered in response to TCEP and TCIPP, further emphasizing their potential effects on immune function. Taken together, given that TCIPP elicited similar effects compared to TCEP, and at lower concentrations, the potential health effects of TCIPP need to be further studied for a complete risk assessment of the compound.
Thirteen week toxicity study of dietary l‐tryptophan in rats with a recovery period of 5 weeks
Authors: Shibui Yusuke , Matsumoto Hideki , Masuzawa Yoko , Ohishi Takumi , Fukuwatari Tsutomu , Shibata Katsumi , Sakai Ryosei
Published: November 2017

Although l‐tryptophan is nutritionally important and widely used in medical applications, toxicity data for its oral administration are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential toxicity of an experimental diet containing added l‐tryptophan at doses of 0 (basal diet), 1.25%, 2.5% and 5.0% when administered to Sprague–Dawley rats for 13 weeks. There were no toxicological changes in clinical signs, ophthalmology, urinalysis, hematology, necropsy, organ weight and histopathology between control rats and those fed additional l‐tryptophan. Body weight gain and food consumption significantly decreased throughout the administration period in males in the 2.5% group and in both sexes in the 5.0% group. At the end of the dosing period, decreases in water intake in males in the 5.0% group and in serum glucose in females in the 5.0% group were observed. The changes described above were considered toxicologically significant; however, they were not observed after a 5 week recovery period, suggesting reversibility. Consequently, the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level of l‐tryptophan in the present study was 1.25% for males and 2.5% for females (mean intake of l‐tryptophan: 779 mg kg–1 body weight day–1 [males] and 1765 mg kg–1 body weight day–1 [females]). As the basal diet used in this study contained 0.27% of proteinaceous l‐tryptophan, the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level of overall l‐tryptophan was 1.52% for males and 2.77% for females (mean intake of overall l‐tryptophan: 948 mg kg–1 body weight day–1 (males) and 1956 mg kg–1 body weight day–1 (females)). We conclude that l‐tryptophan has a low toxicity profile in terms of human use.
Growth of doxorubicin‐resistant undifferentiated spindle‐cell sarcoma PDOX is arrested by metabolic targeting with recombinant methioninase
Authors: Igarashi Kentaro , Li Shukuan , Han Qinghong , Tan Yuying , Kawaguchi Kei , Murakami Takashi , Kiyuna Tasuku , Miyake Kentaro , Li Yunfeng , Nelson Scott D. , Dry Sarah M. , Singh Arun S. , Elliott Irmina A. , Russell Tara A. , Eckardt Mark A. , Yamamoto Norio , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Kimura Hiroaki , Miwa Shinji , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Eilber Fritz C. , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: November 2017

Undifferentiated spindle‐cell sarcoma (USCS) is a recalcitrant ­cancer in need of individualized therapy. A high‐grade USCS from a striated muscle of a patient was grown orthotopically in the right biceps femoris muscle of nude mice to establish a patient‐derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model. In a previous study, we evaluated the efficacy of standard first‐line chemotherapy of doxorubicin (DOX), gemcitabine (GEM) combined with docetaxel (DOC), compared to pazopanib (PAZ), a multi‐targeting tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor, in an USCS PDOX model. In the present study, mice‐bearing the USCS PDOX tumors were randomized into the following groups when tumor volume reached 100 mm3: G1, untreated control without treatment; G2, DOX (3 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, weekly, for 2 weeks); G3, L‐methionine α‐deamino‐γ‐mercaptomethane lyase (recombinant methioninase [rMETase]) (100 U/mouse, i.p., daily, for 2 weeks). Tumor size and body weight were measured with calipers and a digital balance twice a week. The methionine level of supernatants derived from sonicated tumors was also measured. rMETase inhibited tumor growth, measured by tumor volume, compared to untreated controls and the DOX‐treated group on day 14 after initiation of treatment: control (G1): 347.6 ± 88 mm3; DOX (G2): 329.5 ± 79 mm3, P = 0.670; rMETase (G3): 162.6 ± 51 mm3, P = 0.0003. The mouse body weight of the treated mice was not significantly different from the untreated controls. Tumor L‐methionine levels were reduced after the rMETase‐treatment compared to untreated control and pre‐rMETase treatment. We previously reported efficacy of rMETase against Ewing's sarcoma and melanoma in a PDOX models. These studies suggest clinical development of rMETase, especially in recalcitrant cancers such as sarcoma.
Nanos2 promotes differentiation of chicken (Gallus gallus) embryonic stem cells to male germ cells
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Bi Yulin , Wang Yingjie , Li Dong , He Nana , Wang Man , Jin Jing , Zuo Qisheng , Zhang Yani , Li Bichun
Published: November 2017

Nanos2 is an evolutionarily conserved RNA‐binding protein containing 2 CCHC‐type zinc finger motives. Here, we report that Nanos2 is strongly expressed in the testis compared to other tissues in chicken (Gallus gallus). Overexpression and knockout plasmid vectors were constructed, and in‐vitro Cas9/gRNA digestion and T7 endonuclease I (T7E1) assay indicated that Nanos2‐g1 possessed the highest knockout activity. In vitro and in vivo, Nanos2 overexpression accelerated the production of embryoid bodies (EBs) and SSC‐like cells and promoted cvh, c‐kit, and integrin α6 expression. Immunofluorescence staining, periodic acid schiff (PAS) and flow cytometry (FCM) assay showed that primordial germ cells (PGCs) and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) formation were significantly promoted. On the contrary, Nanos2 knockout delayed the production of EBs and SSC‐like cells and correspondingly reduced cvh, c‐kit, and integrin α6 expression. Simultaneously, the quantity of PGCs and SSCs was blocked. Collectively, these results uncovered a novel function of Nanos2 involved in chicken male germ cell differentiation, where it acts as a facilitator.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout of Lim‐domain only four retards organ of Corti cell growth
Authors: Rathinam Rajamani , Rosati Rita , Jamesdaniel Samson
Published: November 2017

Lim‐domain only 4 (LMO4) plays a critical role in mediating the ototoxic side‐effects of cisplatin, a highly effective anti‐cancer drug. However, the signaling mechanism by which cochlear LMO4 mediates otopathology is yet to be fully understood. Knockout cell culture models are useful tools for investigating the functional roles of novel genes and delineating associated signaling pathways. Therefore, LMO4 knockout organ of Corti cells were generated by using the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR‐associated protein 9) system. Successful knockout of LMO4 in UB/OC1 cells was verified by the absence of LMO4 protein bands in immunoblots. Though the Knockout of LMO4 retarded the growth rate and the migratory potential of the cells it did not inhibit their long‐term viability as the LMO4 knockout UB/OC1 cells were able to survive, proliferate, and form colonies. In addition, the knockout of LMO4 did not alter the expression of myosin VIIa, a biomarker of hair cells, suggesting that the knockout cells retain important characteristic features of cochlear sensory receptor cells. Thus, the findings of this study indicate that CRISPR/Cas9 system is a simple and versatile method for knocking out genes of interest in organ of Corti cells and that LMO4 knockout UB/OC1 cells are viable experimental models for studying the functional role of LMO4 in ototoxicity.
Correlating the vibrational spectra of structurally related molecules: A spectroscopic measure of similarity
Authors: Tao Yunwen , Zou Wenli , Cremer Dieter , Kraka Elfi
Published: November 2017

Using catastrophe theory and the concept of a mutation path, an algorithm is developed that leads to the direct correlation of the normal vibrational modes of two structurally related molecules. The mutation path is defined by weighted incremental changes in mass and geometry of the molecules in question, which are successively applied to mutate a molecule into a structurally related molecule and thus continuously converting their normal vibrational spectra from one into the other. Correlation diagrams are generated that accurately relate the normal vibrational modes to each other by utilizing mode‐mode overlap criteria and resolving allowed and avoided crossings of vibrational eigenstates. The limitations of normal mode correlation, however, foster the correlation of local vibrational modes, which offer a novel vibrational measure of similarity. It will be shown how this will open new avenues for chemical studies. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparative view on the potential acting on an electron in a molecule and the electrostatic potential through the typical halogen bonds
Authors: Bartashevich Ekaterina , Tsirelson Vladimir
Published: November 2017

This work considers the features of the electrostatic potential (ESP), and the potential acting on an electron in a molecule (PAEM) for the series of isolated dihalide molecules and for their molecular complexes. The joint analysis of these functions enriches the vision of atomic predispositions to the halogen bond formation and reveals details for their characterization. The account for the exchange‐correlation interaction in PAEM retains the specific anisotropy of the ESP, which is commonly used for the halogen bonding explanation within σ‐hole concept. Along the halogen bonds, the curvatures of PAEM and ESP functions are opposite. Being jointly mapped on the closed isosurfaces of the reduced density gradient, placed between bound atoms, they are significantly differed from the side facing the halogen atom and from the side looking at the electron donor atom. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Bis‐Benzothiazole Derivatives as DNA Minor Groove Binding Agents
Authors: Yang Ming‐Li , Zhang Huan , Wang Wei‐Wei , Wang Xiu‐Jun
Published: November 2017

A series of novel bis‐benzothiazole derivatives with head‐to‐head orientation were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anti‐proliferative activities on U937, HL60, and HeLa cells. A significant part of the targets exhibited considerable in vitro anticancer activity, and some of them were more potent than the reference 5‐FU. Molecular modeling, fluorescence, and viscosimetry studies revealed that these compounds could bind into the minor groove of DNA. Amongst them, the most active compound 7 with IC50 in a range of 6.76 to 8.67 μM against the tested three cell lines, which was 1.46–2.47 and 3.48–4.93 times more potent than 5‐FU and Hoechst 33258, respectively, warrant further investigations.
Synthesis and biological properties of radiohalogenated α,α‐disubstituted amino acids for PET and SPECT imaging of amino acid transporters (AATs)
Authors: Goodman Mark M. , Yu Weiping , Jarkas Nashwa
Published: November 2017

Fluorine‐18 and iodine‐123 labeled nonnatural alicyclic and methyl branched disubstituted α,α‐amino acids are a diverse and useful class of tumor imaging agents suitable for positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography. These tracers target the increased expression of the cell membrane amino acid transporter systems L, ASC, and A exhibited by many human tumor cells. The most established clinical use for these radiolabeled amino acids is imaging primary and recurrent gliomas and primary, recurrent, and metastatic prostate cancer. This review focuses on the synthesis, radiolabeling, and amino acid transport mechanism of a series of nonnatural fluorine‐18 and iodine‐123 labeled analogs of 1‐aminocyclobutane‐1‐carboxylic acid, 1‐aminocyclopentane‐1‐carboxylic acid, α‐aminoisobutyric acid, and α‐methylaminoisobutyric acid.
Investigation of the interactions between aptamer and misfolded proteins: From monomer and oligomer to fibril by single‐molecule force spectroscopy
Authors: Zheng Yan , Wang Qing , Yang Xiaohai , Li Zhiping , Gao Lei , Zhang Hua , Nie Wenyan , Geng Xiuhua , Wang Kemin
Published: November 2017

Increasing knowledge on the understanding interactions of aptamer with misfolded proteins (including monomer, oligomer, and amyloid fibril) is crucial for development of aggregation inhibitors and diagnosis of amyloid diseases. Herein, the interactions of lysozyme monomer–, oligomer‐, and amyloid fibril–aptamer were investigated using single‐molecule force spectroscopy. The results revealed that the aptamer screened against lysozyme monomer could also bind to oligomer and amyloid fibril, in spite of the recognition at a lower binding probability. It may be attributed to the inherent structural differences of misfolded proteins and the flexible conformation of aptamer. In addition, dynamic force spectra showed that there were similar dissociation paths in the dissociation process of lysozyme monomer–, oligomer‐, and amyloid fibril–aptamer complexes. It showed that the dissociation only passed 1 energy barrier from the binding state to the detachment. However, the dynamic parameters suggested that the oligomer‐ and amyloid fibril–aptamer were more stable than lysozyme monomer–aptamer. The phenomena may result from the exposure of aptamer‐recognized sequences on the surface and the electrostatic interactions. This work demonstrated that single‐molecule force spectroscopy could be a powerful tool to study the binding behavior of the aptamer with misfolded proteins at single‐molecule level, providing abundant information for researches and comprehensive applications of aptamer probes in diagnosis of amyloid diseases.
Retracted: Power macro‐modeling technique for NoC‐based homogeneous layered 3D ICs
Authors: Durrani Yaseer Arafat
Published: November 2017

The above article, published online on 16 November 2017 in Wiley Online Library1, has been retracted by agreement between the Editor‐in‐Chief and John Wiley & Sons. The retraction has been agreed due to major overlap with an article submitted to the Journal of Circuits, Systems, and Computers and published on 7 July 20172. The author has been informed of this action.
Biosynthetic energy cost of potentially highly expressed proteins vary with niche in selected actinobacteria
Authors: Sarkar Indrani , Tisa Louis S. , Gtari Maher , Sen Arnab
Published: November 2017

Amino acid and protein biosynthesis requires a number of high energy phosphate bonds and includes a dual energy cost for the synthesis of chemical intermediates during the fueling reactions and the conversion of precursor molecules to final products. One popular hypothesis is that the proteins encoded by putative highly expressed genes (hence called PHXPs) generally utilize low energy consuming amino acids to reduce the biosynthetic cost of the essential proteins. In our study, we found that this idea was not supported in the case of actinobacteria. With the actinobacteria, the energy costs of PHXPs varied in relation to their niche. Free‐living, including aquatic, soil and extremophilic, and plant‐associated actinobacteria were found to use energetically expensive amino acids in their PHXPs. An exception occurred with some animal‐host‐associated actinobacteria that used energy efficient amino acids. One explanation for these results may be due to the diverse metabolic patterns exhibited by actinobacteria under varied niches influenced by nutritional availability and physical environment.
Display stability of fresh and thawed lamb supplemented with vitamin E or sprayed with an antioxidant borage seed extract
Authors: Bellés Marc , Alonso Verónica , Roncalés Pedro , Beltrán Jose A
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The commercialization of thawed lamb packaged in modified atmosphere and maintained on display could serve as an alternative capable of satisfying the requirements of both customers and distributors. However, previous studies have suggested that lipid oxidation may accelerate post‐thawing because peroxidation occurs during frozen storage, thereby leading to rapid and severe secondary lipid oxidation. The addition of an antioxidant compound either in the lamb diet or in the packaged meat could resolve this problem. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effect of dietary vitamin E (1000 mg of dl‐α‐tocopheryl acetate per kg of basal diet) and the spraying of borage seed aqueous extract (10% p/v) on the quality of fresh and thawed lamb leg chops.

RESULTS

Both borage extract and vitamin E improved colour (as measured via instrumental and visual assessment of colour) and lipid stability (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) of fresh and thawed lamb throughout display, although neither of them had any antimicrobial effect. Freezing/thawing accelerated bone marrow darkening and reduced redness but delayed microbial growth.

CONCLUSION

Both of these antioxidant strategies would be very profitable for the preservation of lamb meat, allowing thawed meat packaged in a modified atmosphere to be commercialized. However, additional studies should be carried out to determine how bone darkening in thawed chops can be avoided. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Best approximation properties in spaces of measurable functions
Authors: Ciesielski Maciej , Lewicki Grzegorz
Published: November 2017

We research proximinality of μ‐sequentially compact sets and μ‐compact sets in measurable function spaces. Next we show a correspondence between the Kadec–Klee property for convergence in measure and μ‐compactness of the sets in Banach function spaces. Also the property S is investigated in Fréchet spaces and employed to provide the Kadec–Klee property for local convergence in measure. We discuss complete criteria for continuity of metric projection in Fréchet spaces with respect to the Hausdorff distance. Finally, we present the necessary and sufficient condition for continuous metric selection onto a one‐dimensional subspace in sequence Lorentz spaces .
The probability that two random integers are coprime
Authors: Bureaux Julien , Enriquez Nathanaël
Published: November 2017

An equivalence is proven between the Riemann hypothesis and the speed of convergence toof the probability that two independent random variables following the same geometric distribution are coprime integers, when the parameter of the distribution goes to 0.
Combining Click Sulfur(VI)‐Fluoride Exchange with Photoiniferters: A Facile, Fast, and Efficient Strategy for Postpolymerization Modification
Authors: Wang Peixi , Dong Yishi , Lu Xiaowen , Wu Zhaoqiang , Chen Hong
Published: November 2017

“Click” type reactions represent the currently most prevalent postpolymerization strategy for the preparation of functional polymeric materials. Herein, a novel photoiniferter agent 4‐(fluorosulfonyl)benzyl diethylcarbamodithioate (FSB‐DECT) containing both dithiocarbamates and sulfonyl fluoride moieties is developed to act as both photoinitiator and click sulfur(VI)‐fluoride exchange (SuFEx) agent. The photopolymerization behavior of FSB‐DECT is demonstrated via standard photoiniferter‐mediated polymerization for various types of monomer including N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), glycidyl methacrylate, and vinyl acetate (VAc). Gel permeation chromatography data show that the polymerization is relatively well controlled, with polydispersity indices of the product homopolymers in the range of 1.3–1.6. 1H and 19F NMR spectra and “reinitiated” photopolymerization indicate that the sulfonyl fluoride and diethyldithiocarbamyl groups remain at the respective ends of the homopolymer chains. Furthermore, using the sulfonyl fluoride end‐functionalized poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) as a model polymer, the utility of the SuFEx reaction for efficient postpolymerization functionalization is demonstrated.
Self‐Assembly and Surface Patterning of Polyferrocenylsilane‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Choueiri Rachelle M. , Klinkova Anna , Pearce Samuel , Manners Ian , Kumacheva Eugenia
Published: November 2017

Chemical and topographic surface patterning of inorganic polymer‐functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) and their self‐assembly in nanostructures with controllable architectures enable the design of new NP‐based materials. Capping of NPs with inorganic polymer ligands, such as metallopolymers, can lead to new synergetic properties of individual NPs or their assemblies, and enhance NP processing in functional materials. Here, for gold NPs functionalized with polyferrocenylsilane, two distinct triggers are used to induce attraction between the polymer ligands and achieve NP self‐assembly or topographic surface patterning of individual polymer‐capped NPs. Control of polymer–solvent interactions is achieved by either changing the solvent composition or by the electrooxidation of polyferrocenylsilane ligands. These results expand the range of polymer ligands used for NP assembly and patterning, and can be used to explore new self‐assembly modalities. The utilization of electrochemical polymer oxidation stimuli at easily accessible potentials broadens the range of stimuli leading to NP self‐assembly and patterning.
PEGylated Precision Segments Based on Sequence‐Defined Thiolactone Oligomers
Authors: Celasun Sensu , Du Prez Filip E. , Börner Hans G.
Published: November 2017

A straightforward access route to multifunctional block copolymers, combining a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block and a monodisperse segment with discrete monomer sequence based on thiolactone chemistry, is described. Exploiting an inverse conjugation strategy on a PEG preloaded poly(styrene) synthesis resin enables the convenient introduction of a predefined PEG‐block at the α‐terminus of thiolactone‐based sequence‐defined oligomers. Reaction conditions for the stepwise, submonomer synthesis at polar solid supports are optimized, using sequential synthesis on a model resin that enables to isolate and determine the purity of the oligomer segments by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis. The reaction conditions are used to synthesize PEGylated 5mer precision polymers with defined monomer sequence in good yields and high purity to offer an interesting platform of macromolecules with potential for biomedical applications.
RETRACTED: LncAPC drives Wnt/β‐catenin activation and liver TIC self‐renewal through EZH2 mediated APC transcriptional inhibition
Authors: Fu Xiaomin , Lin Jizhen , Qin Fujun , Yang Zihe , Ding Yuechao , Zhang Yong , Han Lu , Zhu Xiaoyan , Zhang Qinxian
Published: November 2017

Liver tumor initiating cells (TICs), a small subset cells in tumor bulk, are responsible for liver tumor initiation, metastasis, and relapse. However, the regulatory mechanism of liver TICs remains largely unknown. Here we found a long noncoding RNA lncAPC, locating near from APC locus, was highly expressed in liver cancer and liver TICs. LncAPC was required for liver TIC self‐renewal. Silencing and overexpressing lncAPC showed impaired and enhanced sphere formation capacity of liver TICs, respectively. By recruiting EZH2 to APC promoter, LncAPC inhibits APC transcription and thus drives the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Attenuate binding between EZH2 and APC promoter was observed upon lncAPC knockdown. What is more, lncAPC‐EZH2‐APC axis can be targeted to eliminate liver TICs. Altogether, LncAPC promotes liver TIC self‐renewal through EZH2‐dependent APC transcriptional inhibition.
MiR‐5100 increases the cisplatin resistance of the lung cancer stem cells by inhibiting the Rab6
Authors: Yang Lawei , Lin Ziying , Wang Yahong , Gao Shenglan , Li Qinglan , Li Chunyan , Xu Wenya , Chen Jie , Liu Tie , Song Zeqing , Liu Gang
Published: November 2017

Cisplatin‐based chemotherapy is the most commonly used treatment regimen for lung cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are postulated to be important promoters of drug resistance. We previously found that miR‐5100 is overexpressed in lung cancer, but it is unknown whether and how miR‐5100 regulates cisplatin resistance. Here, we demonstrated that miR‐5100 was significantly up‐regulated in CD44+CD133+ lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs) compared with non‐CSCs. Additionally, over‐expression of miR‐5100 increased CSC properties, cell growth, and tumor sphere formation in lung cancer cell line A549 or H1299, and that miR‐5100 inhibitor significantly increased sensitivity of LCSCs to cisplatin in vitro. Surprisingly, the combination with miR‐5100 inhibitor significantly decreased the IC50 of LCSCs to cisplatin. Furthermore, miR‐5100 increased CSC properties and cisplatin resistance by inhibiting Rab6, a direct target gene of miR‐5100. We demonstrated that miR‐5100 overexpression increases the cisplatin resistance of the LCSCs through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. In conclusion, our results suggest that miR‐5100 increases the cisplatin resistance of the LCSCs by inhibiting the Rab6. This study provides novel insight into the regulation of LCSCs by miRNA.
Blocking 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in endometrial cancer: a potential novel endocrine therapeutic approach
Authors: Konings Gonda FJ , Cornel Karlijn MC , Xanthoulea Sofia , Delvoux Bert , Skowron Margaretha A , Kooreman Loes , Koskimies Pasi , Krakstad Camilla , Salvesen Helga B , van Kuijk Kim , Schrooders Yannick JM , Vooijs Marc , Groot Arjan J , Bongers Marlies Y , Kruitwagen Roy FPM ,   ENITEC, Romano Andrea
Published: November 2017

The enzyme type 1 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD‐1), responsible for generating active 17β‐estradiol (E2) from low‐active estrone (E1), is overexpressed in endometrial cancer (EC), thus implicating an increased intra‐tissue generation of E2 in this estrogen‐dependent condition. In this study, we explored the possibility of inhibiting 17β‐HSD‐1 and impairing the generation of E2 from E1 in EC using in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models. We generated EC cell lines derived from the well‐differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma Ishikawa cell line and expressing levels of 17β‐HSD‐1 similar to human tissues. In these cells, HPLC analysis showed that 17β‐HSD‐1 activity could be blocked by a specific 17β‐HSD‐1 inhibitor. In vitro, E1 administration elicited colony formation similar to E2, and this was impaired by 17β‐HSD‐1 inhibition. In vivo, tumors grafted on the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) demonstrated that E1 upregulated the expression of the estrogen responsive cyclin A similar to E2, which was impaired by 17β‐HSD‐1 inhibition. Neither in vitro nor in vivo effects of E1 were observed using 17β‐HSD‐1‐negative cells (negative control). Using a patient cohort of 52 primary ECs, we demonstrated the presence of 17β‐HSD‐1 enzyme activity (ex vivo in tumor tissues, as measured by HPLC), which was inhibited by over 90% in more than 45% of ECs using the 17β‐HSD‐1 inhibitor. Since drug treatment is generally indicated for metastatic/recurrent and not primary tumor, we next demonstrated the mRNA expression of the potential drug target, 17β‐HSD‐1, in metastatic lesions using a second cohort of 37 EC patients. In conclusion, 17β‐HSD‐1 inhibition efficiently blocks the generation of E2 from E1 using various EC models. Further preclinical investigations and 17β‐HSD‐1 inhibitor development to make candidate compounds suitable for the first human studies are awaited. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.