bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling the motion of multiple objects on a Chladni plate
Authors: Zhou Quan , Sariola Veikko , Latifi Kourosh , Liimatainen Ville
Published: September 2016

The origin of the idea of moving objects by acoustic vibration can be traced back to 1787, when Ernst Chladni reported the first detailed studies on the aggregation of sand onto nodal lines of a vibrating plate. Since then and to this date, the prevailing view has been that the particle motion out of nodal lines is random, implying uncontrollability. But how random really is the out-of-nodal-lines motion on a Chladni plate? Here we show that the motion is sufficiently regular to be statistically modelled, predicted and controlled. By playing carefully selected musical notes, we can control the position of multiple objects simultaneously and independently using a single acoustic actuator. Our method allows independent trajectory following, pattern transformation and sorting of multiple miniature objects in a wide range of materials, including electronic components, water droplets loaded on solid carriers, plant seeds, candy balls and metal parts.
MicroRNA-302 switch to identify and eliminate undifferentiated human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Parr Callum J. C. , Katayama Shota , Miki Kenji , Kuang Yi , Yoshida Yoshinori , Morizane Asuka , Takahashi Jun , Yamanaka Shinya , Saito Hirohide
Published: September 2016

The efficiency of pluripotent stem cell differentiation is highly variable, often resulting in heterogeneous populations that contain undifferentiated cells. Here we developed a sensitive, target-specific and general method for removing undesired cells before transplantation. MicroRNA-302a-5p (miR-302a) is highly and specifically expressed in human pluripotent stem cells and gradually decreases to basal levels during differentiation. We synthesized a new RNA tool, miR-switch, as a live-cell reporter mRNA for miR-302a activity that can specifically detect human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) down to a spiked level of 0.05% of hiPSCs in a heterogeneous population and can prevent teratoma formation in an in vivo tumorigenicity assay. Automated and selective hiPSC-elimination was achieved by controlling puromycin resistance using the miR-302a switch. Our system uniquely provides sensitive detection of pluripotent stem cells and partially differentiated cells. In addition to its ability to eliminate undifferentiated cells, miR-302a switch also holds great potential in investigating the dynamics of differentiation and/or reprograming of live-cells based on intracellular information.
Risk assessment and predator learning in a changing world: understanding the impacts of coral reef degradation
Authors: Chivers Douglas P. , McCormick Mark I. , Allan Bridie J. M. , Ferrari Maud C. O.
Published: September 2016

Habitat degradation is among the top drivers of the loss of global biodiversity. This problem is particularly acute in coral reef system. Here we investigated whether coral degradation influences predator risk assessment and learning for damselfish. When in a live coral environment, Ambon damselfish were able to learn the identity of an unknown predator upon exposure to damselfish alarm cues combined with predator odour and were able to socially transmit this learned recognition to naïve conspecifics. However, in the presence of dead coral water, damselfish failed to learn to recognize the predator through alarm cue conditioning and hence could not transmit the information socially. Unlike alarm cues of Ambon damselfish that appear to be rendered unusable in degraded coral habitats, alarm cues of Nagasaki damselfish remain viable in this same environment. Nagasaki damselfish were able to learn predators through conditioning with alarm cues in degraded habitats and subsequently transmit the information socially to Ambon damselfish. Predator-prey dynamics may be profoundly affected as habitat degradation proceeds; the success of one species that appears to have compromised predation assessment and learning, may find itself reliant on other species that are seemingly unaffected by the same degree of habitat degradation.
Loss of mesenchymal bone morphogenetic protein signaling leads to development of reactive stroma and initiation of the gastric neoplastic cascade
Authors: Roy Sébastien A. B. , Allaire Joannie M. , Ouellet Camille , Maloum-Rami Faiza , Pomerleau Véronique , Lemieux Étienne , Babeu Jean-Philippe , Rousseau Jasmin , Paquet Marilène , Garde-Granger Perrine , Boudreau François , Perreault Nathalie
Published: September 2016

Bmps are morphogens involved in various gastric cellular functions. Studies in genetically-modified mice have shown that Bmp disruption in gastric epithelial and stromal cell compartments leads to the development of tumorigenesis. Our studies have demonstrated that abrogation of gastric epithelial Bmp signaling alone was not sufficient to recapitulate the neoplastic features associated with total gastric loss of Bmp signaling. Thus, epithelial Bmp signaling does not appear to be a key player in gastric tumorigenesis initiation. These observations suggest a greater role for stromal Bmp signaling in gastric polyposis initiation. In order to identify the specific roles played by mesenchymal Bmp signaling in gastric homeostasis, we generated a mouse model with abrogation of Bmp signaling exclusively in the gastro-intestinal mesenchyme (Bmpr1aΔMES). We were able to expose an unsuspected role for Bmp loss of signaling in leading normal gastric mesenchyme to adapt into reactive mesenchyme. An increase in the population of activated-fibroblasts, suggesting mesenchymal transdifferentiation, was observed in mutant stomach. Bmpr1aΔMES stomachs exhibited spontaneous benign polyps with presence of both intestinal metaplasia and spasmolytic-polypeptide-expressing metaplasia as early as 90 days postnatal. These results support the novel concept that loss of mesenchymal Bmp signaling cascade acts as a trigger in gastric polyposis initiation.
Rigid Cooperation of Per1 and Per2 proteins
Authors: Tamiya Hiroyuki , Ogawa Sumito , Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Akishita Masahiro
Published: September 2016

Period circadian clock (Per) genes Per1 and Per2 have essential roles in circadian oscillation. In this study, we identified a new role of Per1-Per2 cooperation, and its mechanism, using our new experimental methods. Under constant light conditions, the period length of Per1 and Per2 knockout mice depended on the copy number ratio of Per1:Per2. We then established a light-emitting diode-based lighting system that can generate any pattern of light intensity. Under gradually changing light in the absence of phase shift with different periods, both Per1(−/−) and Per2(−/−) mice were entrained to a broader range of period length than wild-type mice. To analyse Per1-Per2 cooperative roles at the cell culture level, we established a Per2 knockout-rescue system, which can detect period shortening in a familial advanced sleep phase syndrome (FASPS) mutant. Upon introduction of the Per1 coding region in this system, we saw period shortening. In conclusion, short period-associated protein Per1 and long period-associated Per2 cooperated to rigidly confine the circadian period to “circa” 24-h. These results suggest that the rigid circadian rhythm maintained through the cooperation of Per1-Per2 could negatively impact modern society, in which the use of artificial lighting is ubiquitous, and result in circadian disorders, including delirium.
Paeoniflorin Potentiates the Inhibitory Effects of Erlotinib in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines by Reducing ErbB3 Phosphorylation
Authors: Hao Jian , Yang Xue , Ding Xiu-li , Guo Lei-ming , Zhu Cui-hong , Ji Wei , Zhou Tong , Wu Xiong-zhi
Published: September 2016

Blockade of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors is insufficient for effective anti-tumor activity because the reactivation of the ErbB3 signaling pathway significantly contributes to activating the consequent phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. Combinatorial therapies including ErbB3 targeting may ameliorate tumor responses to anti-EGFR therapies. In the present study, we found that in BxPC-3 and L3.6pl cells, which highly expressed the ErbB3 receptor, significant reduction in cell viability, induction of apoptosis were observed when treated with a combination of erlotinib and PF compared to either agent alone. Moreover, in ErbB3-expressing BxPC-3, L3.6pl and S2VP10 cell lines, the inhibition of ErbB3/PI3K/Akt phosphorylation were observed when treated with PF. Most strikingly, both EGFR/MAPK/Erk and ErbB3/PI3K/Akt activitions were substantially suppressed when treated with the combination of PF and erlotinib. However, in the ErbB3-deficient cell line MIAPaCa-2, no such effects were observed with similar treatments. Most importantly, these in vitro results were replicated in nude mouse transplanted tumor models. Taken together, our findings show that PF enhances the effect of erlotinib in ErbB3-expressing pancreatic cancer cells by directly suppressing ErbB3 activation, and PF in combination with erlotinib is much more effective as an antitumor agent compared with either agent alone.
MicroRNA inhibition fine-tunes and provides robustness to the restriction point switch of the cell cycle
Authors: del Rosario Ricardo C. H. , Damasco Joseph Ray Clarence G. , Aguda Baltazar D.
Published: September 2016

The restriction point marks a switch in G1 from growth factor-dependent to growth factor-independent progression of the cell cycle. The proper regulation of this switch is important for normal cell processes; aberrations could result in a number of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, stroke and myocardial infarction. To further understand the regulation of the restriction point, we extended a mathematical model of the Rb-E2F pathway to include members of the microRNA cluster miR-17-92. Our mathematical analysis shows that microRNAs play an essential role in fine-tuning and providing robustness to the switch. We also demonstrate how microRNA regulation can steer cells in or out of cancer states.
Comparisons of regular and on-demand regimen of PED5-Is in the treatment of ED after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Qiu Shi. , Tang Zhuang , Deng Linghui , Liu Liangren , Han Ping , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang
Published: September 2016

Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) have been recommended as first line therapy for erectile dysfunction for patients received nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. We examed the efficiency of PDE5-Is and considered the optimal application. Systematic search of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify all the studies. We identified 103 studies including 3175 patients, of which 14 were recruited for systematic review. Compared with placebo, PDE5-Is significantly ameliorated the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain score (IIEF) scores (MD 4.89, 95% CI 4.25–5.53, p < 0.001). By network meta-analysis, sildenafil seems to be the most efficiency with a slightly higher rate of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEATs), whereas tadalafil had the lowest TEATs. In terms of IIEF scores, regular regimen was remarkably better than on-demand (MD 3.28, 95% CI 1.67–4.89, p < 0.001). Regular use was not associated with higher proportion of patients suffering TEATs compared with on-demand (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.90–1.16, p = 0.72). Compared with placebo, PDE5-Is manifested significantly improved treatment outcomes. Overall, regular regimen demonstrated statistically pronounced better potency than on-demand. Coupled with the comparable rate of side effects, these findings support the regular delivery procedure to be a cost-effective option for patients.
Extract of Ganoderma formosanum Mycelium as a Highly Potent Tyrosinase Inhibitor
Authors: Hsu Kai-Di , Chen Hong-Jhang , Wang Chi-Shin , Lum Chi-Chin , Wu Shu-Pei , Lin Shin-Ping , Cheng Kuan-Chen
Published: September 2016

In this study, the inhibitory effect of Ganoderma formosanum mycelium extracts on tyrosinase, the central regulatory enzyme being responsible for cutaneous pigmentation, was investigated in both cell-free and cellular enzymatic systems, as well as in phenotype-based zebrafish model. Bioassay-guided purification indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction of G. fromosanum mycelium ethanolic extract (GFE-EA) demonstrated the highest inhibition toward cell-free tyrosinase (IC50 = 118.26 ± 13.34 ppm). The secreted and intracellular melanin of B16-F10 cells were reduced by GFE-EA through suppression of tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 102.27 ± 9.49 ppm) and its protein expression. Moreover, GFE-EA decreased surface pigmentation level of zebrafish via down-regulation of tyrosinase activity. Most of all, there is no significant difference in morphology and mortality between control and GFE-EA treated groups. Not only does GFE-EA exhibit similar depigmenting efficacy to kojic acid with lower dosage (approximately one-seventh of dose), but show less toxicity to zebrafish. It is worth noting that GFE-EA is extracted from mycelium, which subverts the general concept that mycelium lacks certain bioactivities possessed by fruit bodies. Altogether, it would appear that GFE-EA has great potential for application in the cosmetics industry.
Human motor adaptation in whole body motion
Authors: Babič Jan , Oztop Erhan , Kawato Mitsuo
Published: September 2016

The main role of the sensorimotor system of an organism is to increase the survival of the species. Therefore, to understand the adaptation and optimality mechanisms of motor control, it is necessary to study the sensorimotor system in terms of ecological fitness. We designed an experimental paradigm that exposed sensorimotor system to risk of injury. We studied human subjects performing uncon- strained squat-to-stand movements that were systematically subjected to non-trivial perturbation. We found that subjects adapted by actively compensating the perturbations, converging to movements that were different from their normal unperturbed squat-to-stand movements. Furthermore, the adapted movements had clear intrinsic inter-subject differences which could be explained by different adapta- tion strategies employed by the subjects. These results suggest that classical optimality measures of physical energy and task satisfaction should be seen as part of a hierarchical organization of optimality with safety being at the highest level. Therefore, in addition to physical energy and task fulfillment, the risk of injury and other possible costs such as neural computational overhead have to be considered when analyzing human movement.
Molecular mechanism of male differentiation is conserved in the SRY-absent mammal, Tokudaia osimensis
Authors: Otake Tomofumi , Kuroiwa Asato
Published: September 2016

The sex-determining gene SRY induces SOX9 expression in the testes of eutherian mammals via two pathways. SRY binds to testis-specific enhancer of Sox9 (TESCO) with SF1 to activate SOX9 transcription. SRY also up-regulates ER71 expression, and ER71 activates Sox9 transcription. After the initiation of testis differentiation, SOX9 enhances Amh expression by binding to its promoter with SF1. SOX8, SOX9 and SOX10, members of the SOXE gene family, also enhance the activities of the Amh promoter and TESCO. In this study, we investigated the regulation of these sexual differentiation genes in Tokudaia osimensis, which lacks a Y chromosome and the SRY gene. The activity of the AMH promoter was stimulated by SOXE genes and SF1. Mutant AMH promoters, with mutations in its SOX and SF1 binding sites, did not show significant activity by SOX9 and SF1. These results indicate that AMH expression was regulated by the binding of SOX9 and SF1. By contrast, SOXE genes could not enhance TESCO activity. These results indicate that TESCO enhancer activity was lost in this species. Furthermore, the activity of the SOX9 promoter was enhanced by ER71, indicating that ER71 may play an important role in the testis-specific expression of SOX9.
Galectin-3 causes enteric neuronal loss in mice after left sided permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, a model of stroke
Authors: Cheng Xiaowen , Boza-Serrano Antonio , Turesson Michelle Foldschak , Deierborg Tomas , Ekblad Eva , Voss Ulrikke
Published: September 2016

In addition to brain injury stroke patients often suffer gastrointestinal complications. Neuroimmune interactions involving galectin-3, released from microglia in the brain, mediates the post-stroke pro-inflammatory response. We investigated possible consequences of stroke on the enteric nervous system and the involvement of galectin-3. We show that permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) induces loss of enteric neurons in ileum and colon in galectin-3+/+, but not in galectin-3−/−, mice. In vitro we show that serum from galectin-3+/+, but not from galectin-3−/−, mice subjected to pMCAO, caused loss of C57BL/6J myenteric neurons, while myenteric neurons derived from TLR4−/− mice were unaffected. Further purified galectin-3 (10−6 M) caused loss of cultured C57BL/6J myenteric neurons. Inhibitors of transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) or AMP activated kinase (AMPK) counteracted both the purified galectin-3 and the galectin-3+/+ pMCAO serum-induced loss in vitro. Combined we show that stroke (pMCAO) triggers central and peripheral galectin-3 release causing enteric neuronal loss through a TLR4 mediated mechanism involving TAK1 and AMPK. Galectin-3 is suggested a target for treatment of post-stroke complications.
Effects of electric field on micro-scale flame properties of biobutanol fuel
Authors: Xu Tao , Chen Qinglin , Zhang Bingjian , Lu Shushen , Mo Dongchuan , Zhang Zhengguo , Gao Xuenong
Published: September 2016

With the increasing need of smaller power sources for satellites, energy systems and engine equipment, microcombustion pose a potential as alternative power source to conventional batteries. As the substitute fuel source for gasoline, biobutanol shows more promising characteristics than ethanol. In this study, the diffusion microflame of liquid biobutanol under electric field have been examined through in-lab experiment and numerical simulation. It is found that traditional gas jet diffusion flame theory shows significant inconsistency with the experimental results of micro scale flame in electric field. The results suggest that with the increase of electric field intensity, the quenching flow rate decrease first and increase after it reach its minimum, while the flame height and highest flame temperature increase first and drop after its peak value. In addition, it was also observed that the flame height and highest temperature for smaller tube can reach its maximum faster. Therefore, the interaction between microscale effect and electric field plays a significant role on understanding the microcombustion of liquid fuel. Therefore, FLUENT simulation was adopted to understand and measure the impacts of microflame characteristic parameters. The final numerical results are consistent with the experimental data and show a high reliability.
Genome and metagenome analyses reveal adaptive evolution of the host and interaction with the gut microbiota in the goose
Authors: Gao Guangliang , Zhao Xianzhi , Li Qin , He Chuan , Zhao Wenjing , Liu Shuyun , Ding Jinmei , Ye Weixing , Wang Jun , Chen Ye , Wang Haiwei , Li Jing , Luo Yi , Su Jian , Huang Yong , Liu Zuohua , Dai Ronghua , Shi Yixiang , Meng He , Wang Qigui
Published: September 2016

The goose is an economically important waterfowl that exhibits unique characteristics and abilities, such as liver fat deposition and fibre digestion. Here, we report de novo whole-genome assemblies for the goose and swan goose and describe the evolutionary relationships among 7 bird species, including domestic and wild geese, which diverged approximately 3.4~6.3 million years ago (Mya). In contrast to chickens as a proximal species, the expanded and rapidly evolving genes found in the goose genome are mainly involved in metabolism, including energy, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. Further integrated analysis of the host genome and gut metagenome indicated that the most widely shared functional enrichment of genes occurs for functions such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, propanoate metabolism and the citrate cycle. We speculate that the unique physiological abilities of geese benefit from the adaptive evolution of the host genome and symbiotic interactions with gut microbes.
Improvement of the BALB/c-3T3 cell transformation assay: a tool for investigating cancer mechanisms and therapies
Authors: Poburski Doerte , Thierbach René
Published: September 2016

The identification of cancer preventive or therapeutic substances as well as carcinogenic risk assessment of chemicals is nowadays mostly dependent on animal studies. In vitro cell transformation assays mimic different stages of the in vivo neoplastic process and represent an excellent alternative to study carcinogenesis and therapeutic options. In the BALB/c-3T3 two-stage transformation assay cells are chemically transformed by treatment with MCA and TPA, along with the final Giemsa staining of morphological aberrant foci. In addition to the standard method we can show, that it is possible to apply other chemicals in parallel to identify potential preventive or therapeutic substances during the transformation process. Furthermore, we successfully combined the BALB/c cell transformation assay with several endpoint applications for protein analysis (immunoblot, subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence) or energy parameter measurements (glucose and oxygen consumption) to elucidate cancer mechanisms in more detail. In our opinion the BALB/c cell transformation assay proves to be an excellent model to investigate alterations in key proteins or energy parameters during the different stages of transformation as well as therapeutic substances and their mode of action.
Impact of Degree Heterogeneity on Attack Vulnerability of Interdependent Networks
Authors: Sun Shiwen , Wu Yafang , Ma Yilin , Wang Li , Gao Zhongke , Xia Chengyi
Published: September 2016

The study of interdependent networks has become a new research focus in recent years. We focus on one fundamental property of interdependent networks: vulnerability. Previous studies mainly focused on the impact of topological properties upon interdependent networks under random attacks, the effect of degree heterogeneity on structural vulnerability of interdependent networks under intentional attacks, however, is still unexplored. In order to deeply understand the role of degree distribution and in particular degree heterogeneity, we construct an interdependent system model which consists of two networks whose extent of degree heterogeneity can be controlled simultaneously by a tuning parameter. Meanwhile, a new quantity, which can better measure the performance of interdependent networks after attack, is proposed. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that degree heterogeneity can significantly increase the vulnerability of both single and interdependent networks. Moreover, it is found that interdependent links between two networks make the entire system much more fragile to attacks. Enhancing coupling strength between networks can greatly increase the fragility of both networks against targeted attacks, which is most evident under the case of max-max assortative coupling. Current results can help to deepen the understanding of structural complexity of complex real-world systems.
Genetic testing of 248 Chinese aortopathy patients using a panel assay
Authors: Yang Hang , Luo Mingyao , Fu Yuanyuan , Cao Yandong , Yin Kunlun , Li Wenke , Meng Chunjie , Ma Yanyun , Zhang Jing , Fan Yuxin , Shu Chang , Chang Qian , Zhou Zhou
Published: September 2016

Inherited aortopathy, which is characterized by a high risk of fatal aortic aneurysms/dissections, can occur secondarily to several syndromes. To identify genetic mutations and help make a precise diagnosis, we designed a gene panel containing 15 genes responsible for inherited aortopathy and tested 248 probands with aortic disease or Marfan syndrome. The results showed that 92 individuals (37.1%) tested positive for a (likely) pathogenic mutation, most of which were FBN1 mutations. We found that patients with a FBN1 truncating or splicing mutation were more prone to developing severe aortic disease or valvular disease. To date, this is the largest reported cohort of Chinese patients with aortic disease who have undergone genetic testing. Therefore, it can serve as a considerable dataset of next generation sequencing data analysis of Chinese population with inherited aortopathy. Additionally, according to the accumulated data, we optimized the analysis pipeline by adding quality control steps and lowering the false positive rate.
A Kirigami Approach to Forming a Synthetic Buckliball
Authors: Sen Lin  , Xie Yi Min , Li Qing , Huang Xiaodong , Zhou Shiwei
Published: September 2016

The shape transformation of some biological systems inspires scientists to create sophisticated structures at the nano- and macro- scales. However, to be useful in engineering, the mechanics of governing such a spontaneous, parallel and large deformation must be well understood. In this study, a kirigami approach is used to fold a bilayer planar sheet featuring a specific pattern into a buckliball under a certain thermal stimulus. Importantly, this prescribed spherical object can retract into a much smaller sphere due to constructive buckling caused by radially inward displacement. By minimizing the potential strain energy, we obtain a critical temperature, below which the patterned sheet exhibits identical principal curvatures everywhere in the self-folding procedure and above which buckling occurs. The applicability of the theoretical analysis to the self-folding of sheets with a diversity of patterns is verified by the finite element method.
Revealing the Earth’s mantle from the tallest mountains using the Jinping Neutrino Experiment
Authors: Šrámek Ondřej , Roskovec Bedřich , Wipperfurth Scott A. , Xi Yufei , McDonough William F.
Published: September 2016

The Earth’s engine is driven by unknown proportions of primordial energy and heat produced in radioactive decay. Unfortunately, competing models of Earth’s composition reveal an order of magnitude uncertainty in the amount of radiogenic power driving mantle dynamics. Recent measurements of the Earth’s flux of geoneutrinos, electron antineutrinos from terrestrial natural radioactivity, reveal the amount of uranium and thorium in the Earth and set limits on the residual proportion of primordial energy. Comparison of the flux measured at large underground neutrino experiments with geologically informed predictions of geoneutrino emission from the crust provide the critical test needed to define the mantle’s radiogenic power. Measurement at an oceanic location, distant from nuclear reactors and continental crust, would best reveal the mantle flux, however, no such experiment is anticipated. We predict the geoneutrino flux at the site of the Jinping Neutrino Experiment (Sichuan, China). Within 8 years, the combination of existing data and measurements from soon to come experiments, including Jinping, will exclude end-member models at the 1σ level, define the mantle’s radiogenic contribution to the surface heat loss, set limits on the composition of the silicate Earth, and provide significant parameter bounds for models defining the mode of mantle convection.
MiR 3180-5p promotes proliferation in human bladder smooth muscle cell by targeting PODN under hydrodynamic pressure
Authors: Sun Yi , Luo De-Yi , Zhu Yu-Chun , Zhou Liang , Yang Tong-Xin , Tang Cai , Shen Hong , Wang Kun-Jie
Published: September 2016

Human bladder smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs) were subjected to pressure cycles of up to 200 cm H2O to a pressure of 0 cm H2O for 24 hours. The total RNA extracted from each group was subjected to microarray analysis. miR-3180-5p emerged as the most overexpressed of all the differentially expressed microRNAs, and this finding was validated by PCR. We then used CCK-8 to quantify cell proliferation after liposome-mediated transfection. Subsequently, we investigated the change in PODN and its downstream signaling proteins, including cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (cdk2) and p21. In addition, flow cytometry was performed to quantify cell-cycle distribution. The results show that miR-3180-5p, the microRNA that was most overexpressed in response to HP, reduced the expression of PODN and podocan (p = 0.004 and p = 0.041, respectively). Silencing of PODN via miR-3180-5p overexpression revealed a significant promotion of cell proliferation increased in the CCK-8 experiment, p = 0.00077). This cell proliferation was accompanied by an increase in cdk2 expression (p = 0.00193) and a decrease in p21 expression (p = 0.0095). The percentage of cells in (S + G2/M) improved after transfection (p = 0.002). It was apparent that HP upregulates miR-3180-5p, which inhibits the expression of PODN and promotes HBSMC proliferation via the cdk2 signaling pathway.
Raman-based detection of hydroxyethyl starch in kidney allograft biopsies as a potential marker of allograft quality in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Vuiblet Vincent , Fere Michael , Bankole Ezechiel , Wynckel Alain , Gobinet Cyril , Birembaut Philippe , Piot Olivier , Rieu Philippe
Published: September 2016

In brain-dead donor resuscitation, hydroxyethyl starch (HES) use has been associated with presence of osmotic-nephrosis-like lesions in kidney transplant recipients. Our aim was to determine whether the presence of HES in protocol renal graft biopsies at three months (M3) after transplantation is associated with renal graft quality. According to the HES administered to the donor during the procurement procedure, two groups of patients were defined according graft exposition to HES: HES group, (N = 20) and control group (N = 6). Detection and relative quantification of HES was performed by Raman spectroscopy microimaging on M3 protocol renal graft biopsies. Statistical analyses were used to investigate the association between Raman data and graft characteristics. HES spectral signal was revealed negative in the control group, whereas it was positive in 40% of biopsies from the HES group. In the HES group, a stronger HES signal was associated with a lower risk of graft failure measured by the Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI) and was correlated with the allograft kidney function. Thus, HES accumulation in donor kidney, as probed by Raman biophotonic technique, is correlated with the quality of donor kidney and consequently the graft renal function and graft survival.
Deformed wing virus can be transmitted during natural mating in honey bees and infect the queens
Authors: Amiri Esmaeil , Meixner Marina D. , Kryger Per
Published: September 2016

Deformed wing virus is an important contributor to honey bee colony losses. Frequently queen failure is reported as a cause for colony loss. Here we examine whether sexual transmission during multiple matings of queens is a possible way of virus infection in queens. In an environment with high prevalence of deformed wing virus, queens (n = 30) were trapped upon their return from natural mating flights. The last drone’s endophallus (n = 29), if present, was removed from the mated queens for deformed wing virus quantification, leading to the detection of high-level infection in 3 endophalli. After oviposition, viral quantification revealed that seven of the 30 queens had high-level deformed wing virus infections, in all tissues, including the semen stored in the spermathecae. Two groups of either unmated queens (n = 8) with induced egg laying, or queens (n = 12) mated in isolation with drones showing comparatively low deformed wing virus infections served as control. None of the control queens exhibited high-level viral infections. Our results demonstrate that deformed wing virus infected drones are competitive to mate and able to transmit the virus along with semen, which occasionally leads to queen infections. Virus transmission to queens during mating may be common and can contribute noticeably to queen failure.
Upregulation of CYP2S1 by oxaliplatin is associated with p53 status in colorectal cancer cell lines
Authors: Yang Chao , Zhou Qian , Li Minle , Tong Xuemei , Sun Jiayi , Qing Yin , Sun Liya , Yang Xuhan , Hu Xiaowen , Jiang Jie , Yan Xiaomei , He Lin , Wan Chunling
Published: September 2016

Oxaliplatin displays a wide spectrum of antitumor activities and is widely used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). However, tumor responses to this agent are variable, and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In the present study, oxaliplatin was found to strongly inhibit the growth of HCT116 cells harboring wild-type p53 but to only weakly inhibit SW480 cells, HT29 cells or p53−/− HCT116 cells, which all lack p53 expression. Administration of oxaliplatin significantly induced p53 accumulation and enhanced expression of CYP2S1 in HCT116 cells with wild-type p53. CYP2S1 knockdown conferred a cell survival advantage after oxaliplatin treatment to cells harboring wild-type p53 in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, enzyme immunoassays, TOPFlash/FOPFlash reporter activity assays and western blotting analysis demonstrated oxaliplatin-mediated downregulation of PGE2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in a manner dependent on p53. Moreover, oxaliplatin treatment of mice with subcutaneous tumor xenografts drastically reduced the volume of wild-type p53 HCT116 tumors but had no effect on isogenic p53−/− HCT116 tumors. These results suggest that oxaliplatin exerts its inhibitory effects in human CRC cells via upregulation of CYP2S1 expression in a p53-dependent manner.
Temperature-sensitive gating of TRPV1 channel as probed by atomistic simulations of its trans- and juxtamembrane domains
Authors: Chugunov Anton O. , Volynsky Pavel E. , Krylov Nikolay A. , Nolde Dmitry E. , Efremov Roman G.
Published: September 2016

Heat-activated transient receptor potential channel TRPV1 is one of the most studied eukaryotic proteins involved in temperature sensation. Upon heating, it exhibits rapid reversible pore gating, which depolarizes neurons and generates action potentials. Underlying molecular details of such effects in the pore region of TRPV1 is of a crucial importance to control temperature responses of the organism. Despite the spatial structure of the channel in both open (O) and closed (C) states is known, microscopic nature of channel gating and mechanism of thermal sensitivity are still poorly understood. In this work, we used unrestrained atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of TRPV1 (without N- and C-terminal cytoplasmic domains) embedded into explicit lipid bilayer in its O- and C-states. We found that the pore domain with its neighboring loops undergoes large temperature-dependent conformational transitions in an asymmetric way, when fragments of only one monomer move with large amplitude, freeing the pore upon heating. Such an asymmetrical gating looks rather biologically relevant because it is faster and more reliable than traditionally proposed “iris-like” symmetric scheme of channel opening. Analysis of structural, dynamic, and hydrophobic organization of the pore domain revealed entropy growth upon TRPV1 gating, which is in line with current concepts of thermal sensitivity.
Tillage practices and straw-returning methods affect topsoil bacterial community and organic C under a rice-wheat cropping system in central China
Authors: Guo Lijin , Zheng Shixue , Cao Cougui , Li Chengfang
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate how the relationships between bacterial communities and organic C (SOC) in topsoil (0–5 cm) are affected by tillage practices [conventional intensive tillage (CT) or no-tillage (NT)] and straw-returning methods [crop straw returning (S) or removal (NS)] under a rice-wheat rotation in central China. Soil bacterial communities were determined by high-throughput sequencing technology. After two cycles of annual rice-wheat rotation, compared with CT treatments, NT treatments generally had significantly more bacterial genera and monounsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids (MUFA/STFA), but a decreased gram-positive bacteria/gram-negative bacteria ratio (G+/G−). S treatments had significantly more bacterial genera and MUFA/STFA, but had decreased G+/G− compared with NS treatments. Multivariate analysis revealed that Gemmatimonas, Rudaea, Spingomonas, Pseudomonas, Dyella, Burkholderia, Clostridium, Pseudolabrys, Arcicella and Bacillus were correlated with SOC, and cellulolytic bacteria (Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Clostridium, Rudaea and Bacillus) and Gemmationas explained 55.3% and 12.4% of the variance in SOC, respectively. Structural equation modeling further indicated that tillage and residue managements affected SOC directly and indirectly through these cellulolytic bacteria and Gemmationas. Our results suggest that Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Clostridium, Rudaea, Bacillus and Gemmationas help to regulate SOC sequestration in topsoil under tillage and residue systems.
Gammaproteobacteria as essential primary symbionts in the striped shield bug, Graphosoma Lineatum (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Karamipour Naeime , Fathipour Yaghoub , Mehrabadi Mohammad
Published: September 2016

Many members of suborder Heteroptra harbor heritable symbiotic bacteria. Here we characterize the gut symbiotic bacterium in Graphosoma lineatum (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) by using molecular phylogeny, real-time PCR analysis as well as light and electron microscopy observations. The microscopy observations revealed the presence of a large number of rod-shaped bacterial cells in the crypts. A very high prevalence (98 to 100%) of the symbiont infection was found in the insect populations that strongly supports an intimate association between these two organisms. Real-time PCR analysis also showed that the Gammaproteobacteria dominated the crypts. The sequences of 16sr RNA and groEL genes of symbiont showed high levels of similarity (93 to 95%) to Pantoea agglomeranse and Erwinia herbicola Gammaproteobacteria. Phylogenetic analyses placed G. lineatum symbiont in a well-defined branch, divergent from other stink bug bacterial symbionts. Co-evolutionary analysis showed lack of host-symbiont phylogenetic congruence. Surface sterilization of eggs resulted in increased pre-adult stage in the offspring (aposymbionts) in comparison to the normal. Also, fecundity, longevity, and adult stage were significantly decreased in the aposymbionts. Therefore, it seems that the symbiont might play a vital function in the host biology, in which host optimal development depends on the symbiont.
Neural mechanisms and personality correlates of the sunk cost effect
Authors: Fujino Junya , Fujimoto Shinsuke , Kodaka Fumitoshi , Camerer Colin F. , Kawada Ryosaku , Tsurumi Kosuke , Tei Shisei , Isobe Masanori , Miyata Jun , Sugihara Genichi , Yamada Makiko , Fukuyama Hidenao , Murai Toshiya , Takahashi Hidehiko
Published: September 2016

The sunk cost effect, an interesting and well-known maladaptive behavior, is pervasive in real life, and thus has been studied in various disciplines, including economics, psychology, organizational behavior, politics, and biology. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the sunk cost effect have not been clearly established, nor have their association with differences in individual susceptibility to the effect. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated neural responses induced by sunk costs along with measures of core human personality. We found that individuals who tend to adhere to social rules and regulations (who are high in measured agreeableness and conscientiousness) are more susceptible to the sunk cost effect. Furthermore, this behavioral observation was strongly mediated by insula activity during sunk cost decision-making. Tight coupling between the insula and lateral prefrontal cortex was also observed during decision-making under sunk costs. Our findings reveal how individual differences can affect decision-making under sunk costs, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the psychological and neural mechanisms of the sunk cost effect.
Frequency-resolved optical gating measurement of ultrashort pulses by using single nanowire
Authors: Yu Jiaxin , Liao Feng , Gu Fuxing , Zeng Heping
Published: September 2016

The use of ultrashort pulses for fundamental studies and applications has been increasing rapidly in the past decades. Along with the development of ultrashort lasers, exploring new pulse diagnositic approaches with higher signal-to-noise ratio have attracted great scientific and technological interests. In this work, we demonstrate a simple technique of ultrashort pulses characterization with a single semiconductor nanowire. By performing a frequency-resolved optical gating method with a ZnO nanowire coupled to tapered optical microfibers, the phase and amplitude of a pulse series are extracted. The generated signals from the transverse frequency conversion process can be spatially distinguished from the input, so the signal-to-noise ratio is improved and permits lower energy pulses to be identified. Besides, since the nanometer scale of the nonlinear medium provides relaxed phase-matching constraints, a measurement of 300-nm-wide supercontinuum pulses is achieved. This system is highly compatible with standard optical fiber systems, and shows a great potential for applications such as on-chip optical communication.
Photo-powered stretchable nano-containers based on well-defined vesicles formed by an overcrowded alkene switch
Authors: Yu Jing-Jing , Cao Zhan-Qi , Zhang Qi , Yang Shun , Qu Da-Hui , Tian He
Published: September 2016

A novel photo-responsive nano-container was successfully constructed based on well-defined vesicles formed by an amphiphilic overcrowded alkene switch.
S(vi) Lewis acids: fluorosulfoxonium cations
Authors: Tsao Fu An , Waked Alexander E. , Cao Levy , Hofmann Jordan , Liu Lei , Grimme Stefan , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: September 2016

Avenues to S-based Lewis acids were developed via the oxidation of aryl-sulfoxides with XeF2, giving difluorodiarylsulfoxides which react via fluoride abstraction to afford Lewis acidic fluorosulfoxonium cations; this acidity is derived from the S–F σ* orbital and has been probed both experimentally and computationally.
Cation–cation and anion–anion complexes stabilized by halogen bonds
Authors: Quiñonero David , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: September 2016

Stable minima showing halogen bonds between charged molecules with the same sign have been explored by means of theoretical calculations.
Complexes of Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) with small peptides: deciding whether to deprotonate
Authors: Dunbar Robert C. , Martens Jonathan , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos
Published: September 2016

Infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy differentiates two binding modes (iminol versus charge solvated) for Ni(ii) bound to model peptides.
Temperature dependence of the reaction of anti-CH3CHOO with water vapor
Authors: Lin Liang-Chun , Chao Wen , Chang Chun-Hung , Takahashi Kaito , Lin Jim Jr-Min
Published: September 2016

The kinetics of the reaction of anti-CH3CHOO with water vapor were investigated using transient UV absorption spectroscopy at temperatures from 288 to 328 K and 500 Torr.
Multifunctional heterostructures constructed using MoS2 and WS2 nanoribbons
Authors: Zhou Yi , Dong Jichen , Li Hui
Published: September 2016

Using first-principles calculations based on nonequilibrium Green's function together with density functional theory, we investigated the electronic transport properties of some devices consisting of armchair and zigzag MoS2NRs/WS2NRs in-plane heterostructures.
Highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probes for Hg2+ in Ag(i)/Cu(ii) 3D supramolecular architectures based on noncovalent interactions
Authors: Song Yang , Fan Ruiqing , Fan Jizhuang , Xing Kai , Du Xi , Wang Ping , Yang Yulin
Published: September 2016

Three novel Ag(i)/Cu(ii) metal–organic assemblies displayed 3D supramolecular architectures with the help of noncovalent interactions. 1 performs as a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for Hg2+, and 2 shows a unique semiconductive nature.
Structure and thermodynamic stability of UTa3O10, a U(v)-bearing compound
Authors: Guo Xiaofeng , Lipp Christian , Tiferet Eitan , Lanzirotti Antonio , Newville Matthew , Engelhard Mark H. , Wu Di , Ilton Eugene S. , Sutton Stephen R. , Xu Hongwu , Burns Peter C. , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: September 2016

We report the crystallography, structure, and thermodynamics of a new U(V)-containing compound, UTa3O10.
Progress, challenges and perspectives in flexible perovskite solar cells
Authors: Di Giacomo Francesco , Fakharuddin Azhar , Jose Rajan , Brown Thomas M.
Published: September 2016

A review and perspective on the development of perovskite solar cells on flexible substrates.
Reactivity of ferrihydrite and ferritin in relation to surface structure, size, and nanoparticle formation studied for phosphate and arsenate
Authors: Hiemstra Tjisse , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2016

Formation of ultra-small nanoclusters with an extremely high oxyanion adsorption capacity in natural and engineered systems with and without ferritin.
Piceatannol is superior to resveratrol in promoting neural stem cell differentiation into astrocytes
Authors: Arai Daisuke , Kataoka Ryousuke , Otsuka Satoshi , Kawamura Midori , Maruki-Uchida Hiroko , Sai Masahiko , Ito Tatsuhiko , Nakao Yoichi
Published: September 2016

Piceatannol (3,3′,4′,5-trans-tetrahydroxystilbene) is a polyphenolic compound abundant in the seeds of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis).
Electrochemically initiated formation of sulfonyl radicals: synthesis of oxindoles via difunctionalization of acrylamides mediated by bromide ion
Authors: Jiang Yang-Ye , Liang Sen , Zeng Cheng-Chu , Hu Li-Ming , Sun Bao-Guo
Published: September 2016

Electrochemical access to oxindoles has been developed using NH4Br as a mediator in an undivided cell.
Discovery of dually acting small-molecule inhibitors of cancer-resistance relevant receptor tyrosine kinases EGFR and IGF-1R
Authors: Hempel Cornelius , Najjar Abdulkarim , Totzke Frank , Schächtele Christoph , Sippl Wolfgang , Ritter Christoph , Hilgeroth Andreas
Published: September 2016

Small-molecule inhibitors of cancer-relevant receptor tyrosine kinases EGFR and IGF-1R have been discovered.
Densely packed zinc sulfide nanoparticles on TiO2 for hindering electron recombination in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kim Hee-Je , Kim Jeong-Hoon , Durga Ikkurthi Kanaka , Punnoose Dinah , Kundakarla Nagabhushanam , Reddy Araveeti Eswar , Rao S. Srinivasa
Published: September 2016

A graphical diagram of DSSCs without and with ZnS as a compact layer on a TiO2 film.
Synthesis and antitumor activity of novel N-substituted tetrahydro-β-carboline–imidazolium salt derivatives
Authors: Zhou Bei , Liu Zheng-Fen , Deng Guo-Gang , Chen Wen , Li Min-Yan , Yang Li-Juan , Li Yan , Yang Xiao-Dong , Zhang Hong-Bin
Published: September 2016

A series of novel N-substituted tetrahydro-β-carboline imidazolium salt derivatives were synthesized and their antitumor structure–activity relationship studies were reported.
Synthesis of zwitterionic, hydrophobic, and amphiphilic polymers via RAFT polymerization induced self-assembly (PISA) in acetic acid
Authors: Das Debobrato , Gerboth Devin , Postma Almar , Srinivasan Selvi , Kern Hanna , Chen Jasmin , Ratner Daniel M. , Stayton Patrick S. , Convertine Anthony J.
Published: September 2016

Hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and combinations of these monomers were directly (co)polymerized via RAFT polymerization induced self-assembly (PISA) in acetic acid.
Poly(triphenyl ethene) and poly(tetraphenyl ethene): synthesis, aggregation-induced emission property and application as paper sensors for effective nitro-compounds detection
Authors: Zhou Hui , Wang Xiaobai , Lin Ting Ting , Song Jing , Tang Ben Zhong , Xu Jianwei
Published: September 2016

This paper reports two structurally unique aggregation-induced emission (AIE) polymers that are fully constructed by AIE luminogen tetraphenyl or triphenyl ethene units. Their applications as paper sensors are studied.