bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Author Correction: Rice auxin influx carrier OsAUX1 facilitates root hair elongation in response to low external phosphate
Authors: Giri Jitender , Bhosale Rahul , Huang Guoqiang , Pandey Bipin K. , Parker Helen , Zappala Susan , Yang Jing , Dievart Anne , Bureau Charlotte , Ljung Karin , Price Adam , Rose Terry , Larrieu Antoine , Mairhofer Stefan , Sturrock Craig J. , White Philip , Dupuy Lionel , Hawkesford Malcolm , Perin Christophe , Liang Wanqi , Peret Benjamin , Hodgman Charlie T. , Lynch Jonathan , Wissuwa Matthias , Zhang Dabing , Pridmore Tony , Mooney Sacha J. , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Swarup Ranjan , Bennett Malcolm J.
Published: April 2018

The original version of this Article omitted the following from the Acknowledgements:‘We also thank DBT-CREST BT/HRD/03/01/2002.’This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
The Role of Kainate Receptors in the Pathophysiology of Hypoxia-Induced Seizures in the Neonatal Mouse
Authors: Grosenbaugh Denise K. , Ross Brittany M. , Wagley Pravin , Zanelli Santina A.
Published: April 2018

Kainate receptors (KARs) are glutamate receptors with peak expression during late embryonic and early postnatal periods. Altered KAR-mediated neurotransmission and subunit expression are observed in several brain disorders, including epilepsy. Here, we examined the role of KARs in regulating seizures in neonatal C57BL/6 mice exposed to a hypoxic insult. We found that knockout of the GluK2 subunit, or blockade of KARs by UBP310 reduced seizure susceptibility during the period of reoxygenation. Following the hypoxic insult, we observed an increase in excitatory neurotransmission in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells, which was blocked by treatment with UBP310 prior to hypoxia. Similarly, we observed increased excitatory neurotransmission in CA3 pyramidal cells in an in vitro hippocampal slice model of hypoxic-ischemia. This increase was absent in slices from GluK2−/− mice and in slices treated with UBP310, suggesting that KARs regulate, at least in part, excitatory synaptic neurotransmission following in vivo hypoxia in neonatal mice. Data from these hypoxia models demonstrate that KARs, specifically those containing the GluK2 subunit, contribute to alterations in excitatory neurotransmission and seizure susceptibility, particularly during the reoxygenation period, in neonatal mice. Therapies targeting KARs may prove successful in treatment of neonates affected by hypoxic seizures.
Test-retest reliability of a computer-assisted self-administered questionnaire on early life exposure in a nasopharyngeal carcinoma case-control study
Authors: Mai Zhi-Ming , Lin Jia-Huang , Chiang Shing-Chun , Ngan Roger Kai-Cheong , Kwong Dora Lai-Wan , Ng Wai-Tong , Ng Alice Wan-Ying , Yuen Kam-Tong , Ip Kai-Ming , Chan Yap-Hang , Lee Anne Wing-Mui , Ho Sai-Yin , Lung Maria Li , Lam Tai-Hing
Published: April 2018

We evaluated the reliability of early life nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) aetiology factors in the questionnaire of an NPC case-control study in Hong Kong during 2014–2017. 140 subjects aged 18+ completed the same computer-assisted questionnaire twice, separated by at least 2 weeks. The questionnaire included most known NPC aetiology factors and the present analysis focused on early life exposure. Test-retest reliability of all the 285 questionnaire items was assessed in all subjects and in 5 subgroups defined by cases/controls, sex, time between 1st and 2nd questionnaire (2–29/≥30 weeks), education (secondary or less/postsecondary), and age (25–44/45–59/60+ years) at the first questionnaire. The reliability of items on dietary habits, body figure, skin tone and sun exposure in early life periods (age 6–12 and 13–18) was moderate-to-almost perfect, and most other items had fair-to-substantial reliability in all life periods (age 6–12, 13–18 and 19–30, and 10 years ago). Differences in reliability by strata of the 5 subgroups were only observed in a few items. This study is the first to report the reliability of an NPC questionnaire, and make the questionnaire available online. Overall, our questionnaire had acceptable reliability, suggesting that previous NPC study results on the same risk factors would have similar reliability.
Quantum conductance-temperature phase diagram of granular superconductor K
x
Fe2−ySe2
Authors: Soares C. C. , ElMassalami M. , Yanagisawa Y. , Tanaka M. , Takeya H. , Takano Y.
Published: April 2018

It is now well established that the microstructure of Fe-based chalcogenide K
x
Fe2−ySe2 consists of, at least, a minor (~15 percent), nano-sized, superconducting K
s
Fe2Se2 phase and a major (~85 percent) insulating antiferromagnetic K2Fe4Se5 matrix. Other intercalated A1−xFe2−ySe2 (A = Li, Na, Ba, Sr, Ca, Yb, Eu, ammonia, amide, pyridine, ethylenediamine etc.) manifest a similar microstructure. On subjecting each of these systems to a varying control parameter (e.g. heat treatment, concentration x,y, or pressure p), one obtains an exotic normal-state and superconducting phase diagram. With the objective of rationalizing the properties of such a diagram, we envisage a system consisting of nanosized superconducting granules which are embedded within an insulating continuum. Then, based on the standard granular superconductor model, an induced variation in size, distribution, separation and Fe-content of the superconducting granules can be expressed in terms of model parameters (e.g. tunneling conductance, g, Coulomb charging energy, E
c
, superconducting gap of single granule, Δ, and Josephson energy J = πΔg/2). We show, with illustration from experiments, that this granular scenario explains satisfactorily the evolution of normal-state and superconducting properties (best visualized on a $${\boldsymbol{g}}{\boldsymbol{-}}\frac{{{\boldsymbol{E}}}_{{\boldsymbol{c}}}}{{\boldsymbol{\Delta }}}{\boldsymbol{-}}{\boldsymbol{T}}$$
g
−

E

c

Δ

−
T
phase diagram) of A
x
Fe2−ySe2 when any of x, y, p, or heat treatment is varied.
The psoriasis-protective TYK2 I684S variant impairs IL-12 stimulated pSTAT4 response in skin-homing CD4+ and CD8+ memory T-cells
Authors: Enerbäck C. , Sandin C. , Lambert S. , Zawistowski M. , Stuart P. E. , Verma D. , Tsoi L. C. , Nair R. P. , Johnston A. , Elder J. T.
Published: April 2018

Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) belongs to the Janus kinase (JAK) family of tyrosine kinases, which transmit signals from activated cytokine receptors. GWAS have consistently implicated TYK2 in psoriasis susceptibility. We performed an in-depth association analysis of TYK2 using GWAS and resequencing data. Strong genetic association of three nonsynonymous variants in the exonic regions of the TYK2 gene (rs34536443, rs12720356, and rs2304256) were found. rs12720356 encoding I684S is predicted to be deleterious based on its location in the pseudokinase domain. We analyzed PBMCs from 29 individuals representing the haplotypes containing each of the significantly associated signals. STAT4 phosphorylation was evaluated by phospho-flow cytometry after CD3/CD28 activation of cells followed by IL-12 stimulation. Individuals carrying the protective I684S variant manifested significantly reduced p-STAT4 levels in CD4 + CD25 + CD45RO+ (mean Stimulation Index (S.I.) 48.08, n = 10) and CD8 + CD25 + CD45RO + cells (S.I. 55.71, n = 10), compared to controls homozygous for the ancestral haplotype (S.I. 68.19, n = 10 (p = 0.002) and 76.76 n = 10 (p = 0.0008) respectively). Reduced p-STAT4 levels were also observed in skin-homing, cutaneous lymphocyte associated antigen (CLA)-positive CD4 and CD8 cells from I684S carriers. No significant changes in p-STAT4 for the psoriasis-associated variant rs34536443 was found. These data establish the functional significance of the TYK2 I684S variant in psoriasis susceptibility.
Chronic features of allergic asthma are enhanced in the absence of resistin-like molecule-beta
Authors: LeMessurier Kim S. , Palipane Maneesha , Tiwary Meenakshi , Gavin Brian , Samarasinghe Amali E.
Published: April 2018

Asthma is characterized by inflammation and architectural changes in the lungs. A number of immune cells and mediators are recognized as initiators of asthma, although therapeutics based on these are not always effective. The multifaceted nature of this syndrome necessitate continued exploration of immunomodulators that may play a role in pathogenesis. We investigated the role of resistin-like molecule-beta (RELM-β), a gut antibacterial, in the development and pathogenesis of Aspergillus-induced allergic airways disease. Age and gender matched C57BL/6J and Retnlb−/− mice rendered allergic to Aspergillus fumigatus were used to measure canonical markers of allergic asthma at early and late time points. Inflammatory cells in airways were similar, although Retnlb−/− mice had reduced tissue inflammation. The absence of RELM-β elevated serum IgA and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lungs at homeostasis. Markers of chronic disease including goblet cell numbers, Muc genes, airway wall remodelling, and hyperresponsiveness were greater in the absence RELM-β. Specific inflammatory mediators important in antimicrobial defence in allergic asthma were also increased in the absence of RELM-β. These data suggest that while characteristics of allergic asthma develop in the absence of RELM-β, that RELM-β may reduce the development of chronic markers of allergic airways disease.
Propranolol sensitizes prostate cancer cells to glucose metabolism inhibition and prevents cancer progression
Authors: Brohée Laura , Peulen Olivier , Nusgens Betty , Castronovo Vincent , Thiry Marc , Colige Alain C. , Deroanne Christophe F.
Published: April 2018

Propranolol, a widely used non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker, was recently shown to display anticancer properties. Its potential to synergize with certain drugs has been also outlined. However, it is necessary to take into account all the properties of propranolol to select a drug that could be efficiently combined with. Propranolol was reported to block the late phase of autophagy. Hence, we hypothesized that in condition enhancing autophagy flux, cancer cells should be especially sensitive to propranolol. 2DG, a glycolysis inhibitor, is an anti-tumor agent having limited effect in monotherapy notably due to induction of pro-survival autophagy. Here, we report that treatment of cancer cells with propranolol in combination with the glycolysis inhibitor 2DG induced a massive accumulation of autophagosome due to autophagy blockade. The propranolol +2DG treatment efficiently prevents prostate cancer cell proliferation, induces cell apoptosis, alters mitochondrial morphology, inhibits mitochondrial bioenergetics and aggravates ER stress in vitro and also suppresses tumor growth in vivo. Our study underlines for the first time the interest to take advantage of the ability of propranolol to inhibit autophagy to design new anti-cancer therapies.
Heterogeneous network promotes species coexistence: metapopulation model for rock-paper-scissors game
Authors: Nagatani Takashi , Ichinose Genki , Tainaka Kei-ichi
Published: April 2018

Understanding mechanisms of biodiversity has been a central question in ecology. The coexistence of three species in rock-paper-scissors (RPS) systems are discussed by many authors; however, the relation between coexistence and network structure is rarely discussed. Here we present a metapopulation model for RPS game. The total population is assumed to consist of three subpopulations (nodes). Each individual migrates by random walk; the destination of migration is randomly determined. From reaction-migration equations, we obtain the population dynamics. It is found that the dynamic highly depends on network structures. When a network is homogeneous, the dynamics are neutrally stable: each node has a periodic solution, and the oscillations synchronize in all nodes. However, when a network is heterogeneous, the dynamics approach stable focus and all nodes reach equilibriums with different densities. Hence, the heterogeneity of the network promotes biodiversity.
Specific features of human monocytes activation by monophosphoryl lipid A
Authors: Chentouh Ryme , Fitting Catherine , Cavaillon Jean-Marc
Published: April 2018

We deciphered the mechanisms of production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by adherent human blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA). Both LPS and MPLA induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production proved to be dependent on the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Of note, MPLA induced IL-1β release in human adherent PBMCs whereas MPLA was previously reported to not induce this cytokine in murine cells. Both LPS and MPLA stimulatory effects were inhibited by Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) antagonists. Only monocytes activation by LPS was dependent on CD14. Other differences were noticed between LPS and MPLA. Among the different donors, a strong correlation existed in terms of the levels of TNF induced by different LPSs. In contrast, there was no correlation between the TNF productions induced by LPS and those induced by MPLA. However, there was a strong correlation when IL-6 production was analyzed. Blocking actin polymerization and internalization of the agonists inhibited MPLA induced TNF production while the effect on LPS induced TNF production depended on the donors (i.e. high TNF producersversuslow TNF producers). Finally, conventional LPS, tolerized adherent PBMCs to TLR2 agonists, while MPLA primed cells to further challenge with TLR2 agonists.
Fe Doped Magnetic Nanodiamonds Made by Ion Implantation as Contrast Agent for MRI
Authors: Lin Bo-Rong , Chen Chien-Hsu , Kunuku Srinivasu , Chen Tzung-Yuang , Hsiao Tung-Yuan , Niu Huan , Lee Chien-Ping
Published: April 2018

We report in this paper a new MRI contrast agent based on magnetic nanodiamonds fabricated by Fe ion implantation. The Fe atoms that are implanted into the nanodiamonds are not in direct contact with the outside world, enabling this new contrast agent to be free from cell toxicity. The image enhancement was shown clearly through T2 weighted images. The concentration dependence of the T2 relaxation time gives a relaxivity value that is about seven times that of the regular non-magnetic nanodiamonds. Cell viability study has also been performed. It was shown that they were nearly free from cytotoxicity independent of the particle concentration used. The imaging capability demonstrated here adds a new dimension to the medical application of nanodiamonds. In the future one will be able to combine this capability of magnetic nanodiamonds with other functions through surface modifications to perform drug delivery, targeted therapy, localized thermal treatment and diagnostic imaging at the same time.
Pathological conversion of regulatory T cells is associated with loss of allotolerance
Authors: Hua Jing , Inomata Takenori , Chen Yihe , Foulsham William , Stevenson William , Shiang Tina , Bluestone Jeffrey A. , Dana Reza
Published: April 2018

CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in immune tolerance. The plasticity and functional adaptability of Tregs in an inflammatory microenvironment has been demonstrated in autoimmunity. Here, using a double transgenic mouse model that permits Foxp3 lineage tracing, we investigated the phenotypic plasticity of Foxp3+ Tregs in a well-characterized murine model of corneal transplantation. In order to subvert the normal immune privilege of the cornea and foster an inflammatory milieu, host mice were exposed to desiccating stress prior to transplantation. Treg frequencies and function were decreased following desiccating stress, and this corresponded to decreased graft survival. A fraction of Tregs converted to IL-17+ or IFNγ+ ‘exFoxp3’ T cells that were phenotypically indistinguishable from effector Th17 or Th1 cells, respectively. We investigated how Foxp3 expression is modulated in different Treg subsets, demonstrating that neuropilin-1− peripherally-derived Tregs are particularly susceptible to conversion to IL-17+/IFNγ+ exFoxp3 cells in response to cues from their microenvironment. Finally, we show that IL-6 and IL-23 are implicated in the conversion of Tregs to exFoxp3 cells. This report demonstrates that the pathological conversion of Tregs contributes to the loss of corneal immune privilege.
An Integrated Neural Framework for Dynamic and Static Face Processing
Authors: Bernstein Michal , Erez Yaara , Blank Idan , Yovel Galit
Published: April 2018

Faces convey rich information including identity, gender and expression. Current neural models of face processing suggest a dissociation between the processing of invariant facial aspects such as identity and gender, that engage the fusiform face area (FFA) and the processing of changeable aspects, such as expression and eye gaze, that engage the posterior superior temporal sulcus face area (pSTS-FA). Recent studies report a second dissociation within this network such that the pSTS-FA, but not the FFA, shows much stronger response to dynamic than static faces. The aim of the current study was to test a unified model that accounts for these two functional characteristics of the neural face network. In an fMRI experiment, we presented static and dynamic faces while subjects judged an invariant (gender) or a changeable facial aspect (expression). We found that the pSTS-FA was more engaged in processing dynamic than static faces and changeable than invariant aspects, whereas the OFA and FFA showed similar response across all four conditions. These findings support an integrated neural model of face processing in which the ventral areas extract form information from both invariant and changeable facial aspects whereas the dorsal face areas are sensitive to dynamic and changeable facial aspects.
A Regional Scale Approach to Assessing Current and Potential Future Exposure to Tidal Inundation in Different Types of Estuaries
Authors: Hanslow David J. , Morris Bradley D. , Foulsham Edwina , Kinsela Michael A.
Published: April 2018

Broad scale assessments of impacts associated with sea level rise have mainly been undertaken using ocean water level data from tide gauges located in harbours and ports assuming that these can be applied directly in mapping inundation throughout estuaries. On many coasts, however, exposure to sea level rise comes about through inundation adjacent to rivers and estuaries, in many instances far from the ocean. In this study, we examine the potential impacts of sea level rise within the diverse estuaries of South East Australia. We use an extensive and long-term water level data set, which show that water levels within the different types of estuaries vary from ocean water levels. We map potential inundation scenarios for each estuary using an approach which improves on the commonly used bath tub method by allowing for variation in tidal processes both between and along estuaries. We identify considerable exposure to future sea level rise, and variable suitability of the bath tub method within different estuaries. Exposure is particularly high around tidal lake systems, where reduced tidal ranges have allowed development to occur in relative proximity to present sea level, and around larger coastal rivers, which feature extensive low-lying plains exposed to potential inundation.
Author Correction: Role of iRhom2 in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion-mediated acute lung injury
Authors: Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Jihye , Chun Jaeyoung , Lee Changhyun , Im Jong Pil , Kim Joo Sung
Published: April 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Cryo-EM of nucleosome core particle interactions in trans
Authors: Bilokapic Silvija , Strauss Mike , Halic Mario
Published: April 2018

Nucleosomes, the basic unit of chromatin, are repetitively spaced along DNA and regulate genome expression and maintenance. The long linear chromatin molecule is extensively condensed to fit DNA inside the nucleus. How distant nucleosomes interact to build tertiary chromatin structure remains elusive. In this study, we used cryo-EM to structurally characterize different states of long range nucleosome core particle (NCP) interactions. Our structures show that NCP pairs can adopt multiple conformations, but, commonly, two NCPs are oriented with the histone octamers facing each other. In this conformation, the dyad of both nucleosome core particles is facing the same direction, however, the NCPs are laterally shifted and tilted. The histone octamer surface and histone tails in trans NCP pairs remain accessible to regulatory proteins. The overall conformational flexibility of the NCP pair suggests that chromatin tertiary structure is dynamic and allows access of various chromatin modifying machineries to nucleosomes.
Topologically knotted deubiquitinases exhibit unprecedented mechanostability to withstand the proteolysis by an AAA+ protease
Authors: Sriramoju Manoj Kumar , Chen Yen , Lee Yun-Tzai Cloud , Hsu Shang-Te Danny
Published: April 2018

More than one thousand knotted protein structures have been identified so far, but the functional roles of these knots remain elusive. It has been postulated that backbone entanglement may provide additional mechanostability. Here, we employed a bacterial proteasome, ClpXP, to mechanically unfold 52-knotted human ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCH) paralogs from their C-termini, followed by processive translocation into the proteolytic chamber for degradation. Our results revealed unprecedentedly slow kinetics of ClpXP-mediated proteolysis for the proteasome-associated UCHL5: ten thousand times slower than that of a green fluorescence protein (GFP), which has a comparable size to the UCH domain but much higher chemical and thermal stabilities. The ClpXP-dependent mechanostability positively correlates with the intrinsic unfolding rates of the substrates, spanning over several orders of magnitude for the UCHs. The broad range of mechanostability within the same protein family may be associated with the functional requirements for their differential malleabilities.
Evidence of Enriched, Hadean Mantle Reservoir from 4.2-4.0 Ga zircon xenocrysts from Paleoarchean TTGs of the Singhbhum Craton, Eastern India
Authors: Chaudhuri Trisrota , Wan Yusheng , Mazumder Rajat , Ma Mingzhu , Liu Dunyi
Published: April 2018

Sensitive High-Resolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP) U-Pb analyses of zircons from Paleoarchean (~3.4 Ga) tonalite-gneiss called the Older Metamorphic Tonalitic Gneiss (OMTG) from the Champua area of the Singhbhum Craton, India, reveal 4.24-4.03 Ga xenocrystic zircons, suggesting that the OMTG records the hitherto unknown oldest precursor of Hadean age reported in India. Hf isotopic analyses of the Hadean xenocrysts yield unradiogenic 176Hf/177Hfinitial compositions (0.27995 ± 0.0009 to 0.28001 ± 0.0007; ɛHf[t] = −2.5 to −5.2) indicating that an enriched reservoir existed during Hadean eon in the Singhbhum cratonic mantle. Time integrated ɛHf[t] compositional array of the Hadean xenocrysts indicates a mafic protolith with 176Lu/177Hf ratio of ∼0.019 that was reworked during ∼4.2-4.0 Ga. This also suggests that separation of such an enriched reservoir from chondritic mantle took place at 4.5 ± 0.19 Ga. However, more radiogenic yet subchondritic compositions of ∼3.67 Ga (average 176Hf/177Hfinitial 0.28024 ± 0.00007) and ~3.4 Ga zircons (average 176Hf/177Hfinitial = 0.28053 ± 0.00003) from the same OMTG samples and two other Paleoarchean TTGs dated at ~3.4 Ga and ~3.3 Ga (average 176Hf/177Hfinitial is 0.28057 ± 0.00008 and 0.28060 ± 0.00003), respectively, corroborate that the enriched Hadean reservoir subsequently underwent mixing with mantle-derived juvenile magma during the Eo-Paleoarchean.
Roles of GalNAc-disialyl Lactotetraosyl Antigens in Renal Cancer Cells
Authors: Tsuchida Akiko , Senda Motohiro , Ito Akihiro , Saito Seiichi , Kiso Makoto , Ando Takayuki , Harduin-Lepers Anne , Matsuda Akio , Furukawa Keiko , Furukawa Koichi
Published: April 2018

GalNAc-disialyl Lc4 (GalNAc-DSLc4) was reported as a novel antigen that associated with malignant features of renal cell cancers (RCCs). To clarify roles of GalNAc-DSLc4 in malignant properties of RCCs, we identified B4GalNAc-T2 as a responsible gene for the synthesis of GalNAc-DSLc4, and prepared stable transfectants of GalNAc-T2 cDNA using VMRC-RCW cells, resulting in the establishment of high expressants of GalNAc-DSLc4. They showed increased proliferation and invasion, and specific adhesion to laminin. In the transfectants, PI3K/Akt signals were highly activated by serum stimulation or adhesion to laminin. GalNAc-DSLc4 was co-localized in lipid rafts with integrin β1 and caveolin-1 in both immunoblotting of fractionated detergent extracts and immunocytostaining, particularly when stimulated with serum. Masking of GalNAc-DSLc4 with antibodies as well as PI3K inhibitor suppressed malignant properties of the transfectants. These results suggested that GalNAc-DSLc4 is involved in malignant properties of RCCs by forming a molecular complex with integrins in lipid rafts.
All-trans-retinoic acid activates the pro-invasive Src-YAP-Interleukin 6 axis in triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells while cerivastatin reverses this action
Authors: Mezquita Belén , Mezquita Pau , Pau Montserrat , Gasa Laura , Navarro Lourdes , Samitier Mireia , Pons Miquel , Mezquita Cristóbal
Published: April 2018

All-trans-retinoic acid (RA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, can reduce the malignant phenotype in some types of cancer and paradoxically also can promote cancer growth and invasion in others. For instance, it has been reported that RA induces tumor suppression in tumor xenografts of MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells while increasing tumor growth and metastases in xenografts of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The signaling pathways involved in the pro-invasive action of retinoic acid remain mostly unknown. We show here that RA activates the pro-invasive axis Src-YAP-Interleukin 6 (Src-YAP-IL6) in triple negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, yielding to increased invasion of these cells. On the contrary, RA inhibits the Src-YAP-IL6 axis of triple-negative MDA-MB-468 cells, which results in decreased invasion phenotype. In both types of cells, inhibition of the Src-YAP-IL6 axis by the Src inhibitor PP2 drastically reduces migration and invasion. Src inhibition also downregulates the expression of a pro-invasive isoform of VEGFR1 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Furthermore, interference of YAP nuclear translocation using the statin cerivastatin reverses the upregulation of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the pro-invasive effect of RA on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and also decreases invasion and viability of MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. These results altogether suggest that RA induces pro-invasive or anti-invasive actions in two triple-negative breast cancer cell lines due to its ability to activate or inhibit the Src-YAP-IL6 axis in different cancer cells. The pro-invasive effect of RA can be reversed by the statin cerivastatin.
A strong and deformable in-situ magnesium nanocomposite igniting above 1000 °C
Authors: Tekumalla Sravya , Nandigam Yogesh , Bibhanshu Nitish , Rajashekara Shabadi , Yang Chen , Suwas Satyam , Gupta Manoj
Published: April 2018

Magnesium has been trending of late in automobile, aerospace, defense, sports, electronic and biomedical sectors as it offers an advantage in light-weighting. In aluminum, titanium, and steel dominated aerospace and defense sectors, applications of Mg were banned/restricted until recently due to perceived easy ignition and inability to self-extinguish immediately. Strength is generally inversely related to ductility, weak texture and unrelated to ignition resistance, making it challenging to optimize all four concurrently in a material. We address this challenge by designing a low density (~1.76 g.cm−3) in-situ Mg nanocomposite. It is a resultant of a sequence of in-situ reactions during melt processing and extrusion. The in-situ formed Y2O3 nanoparticles exhibit coherency with matrix and lead to development of large amount of elastic and plastic strain fields around them. These nanoparticles and secondary phases (Mg2Ca and Mg2Y) are responsible for the nanocomposite’s high tensile strength (~343 MPa). A weak texture mediated tensile ductility of 30% and compressive failure strain of 44% is observed. Further, the ignition temperature increased to 1045 °C (near the boiling point of Mg)  due to the formation of protective surficial oxide layers aided by the presence of insulating Y2O3 nanoparticles, rendering the nanocomposite outperform other traditional commercial Mg-based materials.
Author Correction: Angular flux creep contributions in YBa2Cu3O7−δ nanocomposites from electrical transport measurements
Authors: Vallès F. , Palau A. , Rouco V. , Mundet B. , Obradors X. , Puig T.
Published: April 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Fractal features of soil particle size distributions and their potential as an indicator of Robinia pseudoacacia invasion1
Authors: Li Kun , Yang Huanxiang , Han Xu , Xue Lingyu , Lv Yang , Li Jinhua , Fu Zhanyong , Li Chuanrong , Shen Weixing , Guo Huiling , Zhang Yikun
Published: April 2018

To study the fractal dimensions of the soil particle size distributions (PSDs) within different plantations (of Pinus densiflora, Quercus acutissima, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Larix kaempferi) and evaluate PSDs as an indicator of the likelihood of Robinia pseudoacacia invasion, the soil porosity of 0–20 cm soil layers was measured at different plantations in the Yaoxiang Forest Farm, Shandong Province, China. The results showed that the fractal dimension (Dm) values varied from 2.59 to 2.70 among the different plantations and were significantly negatively correlated to sand content and positively correlated to silt content and clay content. Significant negative correlations were observed between Dm and both soil organic matter (SOM) (P < 0.05) and available phosphorus (P < 0.01). The multifractal entropy dimension (D1) and entropy dimension/capacity dimension (D1/D0) parameters were not significantly correlated with SOM, although significant correlations were found between SOM and each of D0, Δα, and Δf(α). Compared with the other plantations, the Robinia pseudoacacia plantation had higher nutrient contents, higher D0 and D1 values and lower Dm values. Based on principal component analysis (PCA) ordination, we concluded that Robinia pseudoacacia and Pinus densiflora shared a similar habitat and that Robinia pseudoacacia is more likely to invade Pinus densiflora plantations for soil.
Propyl-5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbodithioate (HMPC): a new bacteriostatic agent against methicillin—resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Johnston Tatiana , Van Tyne Daria , Chen Roy F. , Fawzi Nicolas L. , Kwon Bumsup , Kelso Michael J. , Gilmore Michael S. , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: April 2018

The emergence of Staphylococcus aureus strains resistant to ‘last resort’ antibiotics compels the development of new antimicrobials against this important human pathogen. We found that propyl 5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbodithioate (HMPC) shows bacteriostatic activity against S. aureus (MIC = 4 μg/ml) and rescues Caenorhabditis elegans from S. aureus infection. Whole-genome sequencing of S. aureus mutants resistant to the compound, along with screening of a S. aureus promoter-lux reporter array, were used to explore possible mechanisms of action. All mutants resistant to HMPC acquired missense mutations at distinct codon positions in the global transcriptional regulator mgrA, followed by secondary mutations in the phosphatidylglycerol lysyltransferase fmtC/mprF. The S. aureus promoter-lux array treated with HMPC displayed a luminescence profile that was unique but showed similarity to DNA-damaging agents and/or DNA replication inhibitors. Overall, HMPC is a new anti-staphylococcal compound that appears to act via an unknown mechanism linked to the global transcriptional regulator MgrA.
Nationwide analysis of the relationships between mental health, body mass index and tinnitus in premenopausal female adults in Korea: 2010–2012 KNHANES
Authors: Lee Dong-Hee , Kim Young Soo , Chae Hiun Suk , Han Kyungdo
Published: April 2018

Tinnitus is related to serious comorbidities such as suicidal ideation and attempts. Body mass index (BMI) is associated with auditory symptoms including hearing loss. The aim of this nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between mental health, body mass index and tinnitus in a Korean premenopausal female population. This study analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in 2010–2012. Data were collected from 4628 19 years or older, premenopausal women. After adjustments, underweight premenopausal women exhibited a higher odds ratio for tinnitus (odd ratio = 1.54; 95% confidence interval = 1.14–2.08) compared with women of normal weight. Moderate and severe tinnitus was highly prevalent in underweight as well as extremely obese women. The prevalence of perceived stress, melancholy, and suicide ideation was significantly higher in women with tinnitus. The prevalence of perceived stress and suicide ideation was significantly higher in underweight women with tinnitus, but that of melancholy was significantly lower. This study demonstrated that underweight premenopausal Korean women had a higher risk of tinnitus, which has grown in importance as a public health issue. Women with tinnitus experience perceived stress and suicide ideation more frequently, but melancholy less frequently than women without.
Micro RNA-155 inhibitor as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI): a nanomedicine perspective
Authors: Chen Shunjie , Shan Jianping , Niu Wei , Lin Fujun , Liu Shuang , Wu Ping , Sun Lijing , Lu Wei , Jiang Gengru
Published: April 2018

In this study, we have prepared miR-155 inhibitor-loaded liposome vesicles for the effective treatment of acute kidney injury.
Manufacturing of open-cell aluminum foams via infiltration casting in super-gravity fields and mechanical properties
Authors: Wang Zhe , Gao Jintao , Chang Kuan , Meng Long , Zhang Ning , Guo Zhancheng
Published: April 2018

Replicated open-cell aluminum foams were produced by infiltration casting in super-gravity fields.
Traction cytometry: regularization in the Fourier approach and comparisons with finite element method
Authors: Kulkarni Ankur H. , Ghosh Prasenjit , Seetharaman Ashwin , Kondaiah Paturu , Gundiah Namrata
Published: April 2018

Traction forces exerted by adherent cells are quantified using displacements of embedded markers on polyacrylamide substrates due to cell contractility.
Comparative analysis of the cellular entry of polystyrene and gold nanoparticles using the freeze concentration method
Authors: Ahmed Sana , Okuma Koyo , Matsumura Kazuaki
Published: April 2018

The freeze concentration strategy enables the efficient internalisation of different sized Au and PS nanoparticles into fibroblast cells with different endocytosis pathways.
A rhodamine-based turn-on nitric oxide sensor in aqueous medium with endogenous cell imaging: an unusual formation of nitrosohydroxylamine
Authors: Alam Rabiul , Islam Abu Saleh Musha , Sasmal Mihir , Katarkar Atul , Ali Mahammad
Published: April 2018

The sensorL3selectively recognizes NO in purely aqueous medium with an unusual formation of nitrosohydroxylamine with a turn-on fluorescence response which might be suitable forin vivoapplication.
NMR-based metabolomic analysis of the effects of alanyl-glutamine supplementation on C2C12 myoblasts injured by energy deprivation
Authors: Liu Zhiqing , Huang Caihua , Liu Yan , Lin Donghai , Zhao Yufen
Published: April 2018

The alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) supplementation can promote the differentiation and proliferation abilities of the injured C2C12 cells, and is a potential treatment for muscle-related diseases and injuries.
A gemini surfactant-containing system with abundant self-assembly morphology and rheological behaviors tunable by photoinduction
Authors: Tu Yan , Gao Mengge , Teng Hongni , Shang Yazhuo , Fang Bo , Liu Honglai
Published: April 2018

The photoisomerization of OMCA affects the degree of OMCA participation in the formation of mixed micelles and results in the transformation of micellar morphologies.
Predicting sulfur solubility in hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and methane with an improved thermodynamic model
Authors: Li Changjun , Liu Gang , Peng Yang
Published: April 2018

The binary interaction coefficients between sulfur and H2S, CO2or CH4are not constant, but temperature dependent. Three-parameter temperature-dependent equations for the binary interaction coefficients between sulfur and solvents are proposed.
Sustainable synthesis of nanoporous carbons from agricultural waste and their application for solid-phase microextraction of chlorinated organic pollutants
Authors: Cheng Hu , Song Yang , Bian Yongrong , Ji Rongting , Wang Fang , Gu Chenggang , Yang Xinglun , Jiang Xin
Published: April 2018

Nanoporous carbons were synthesized with green process of oilseed rape straw and applied as efficient adsorbent for microextraction of COPs.
Mechanistic formation of drug-encapsulated Janus particles through emulsion solvent evaporation
Authors: Fan Yan Liang , Tan Chuan Hao , Lui Yuansiang , Zudhistira Dionaldo , Loo Say Chye Joachim
Published: April 2018

Janus particles are emerging as structurally unique drug carriers with the potential to deliver multiple drugs and agents.
Microfluidic chip for droplet-based AuNP synthesis with dielectric barrier discharge plasma and on-chip mercury ion detection
Authors: Li Dai-En , Lin Che-Hsin
Published: April 2018

This study presents a novel microfluidic chip that can achieve on-demand gold nanoparticle (AuNP) synthesis using atmospheric pressure helium plasma and on-site mercury ion detection.
Space-filling open microfluidic channels designed to collect water droplets
Authors: Kai Hiroyuki , Toyosato Ryoma , Nishizawa Matsuhiko
Published: April 2018

Open microfluidic channels with fractal, space-filling superhydrophilic patterns can efficiently collect water droplets on the film surface.
Single and double activation of acetone by isolobal BN and BB triple bonds
Authors: Böhnke Julian , Brückner Tobias , Hermann Alexander , González-Belman Oscar F. , Arrowsmith Merle , Jiménez-Halla J. Oscar C. , Braunschweig Holger
Published: April 2018

Polar and apolar boron-based triple bonds promote the single and double C–H activation of acetone following similar coordination-deprotonation mechanisms.
Adhesion of like-charged lipid vesicles induced by rod-like counterions
Authors: Volpe Bossa Guilherme , Souza Tereza Pereira de , May Sylvio
Published: April 2018

A molecular-level theoretical model for the adhesion of charged lipid vesicles induced by rod-like counterions is proposed and analyzed.
Nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets and nanoflowers with holey mesopores for efficient oxygen reduction catalysis
Authors: Tian Hao , Wang Nan , Xu Fugui , Zhang Pengfei , Hou Dan , Mai Yiyong , Feng Xinliang
Published: April 2018

Efficient structure optimization is one of the key factors for improving the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic performance of carbon materials.
Targeted multifunctional redox-sensitive micelle co-delivery of DNA and doxorubicin for the treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Feng Longbao , Yan Shina , Zhu Qiyu , Chen Jie , Deng Lian , Zheng Yanfang , Xue Wei , Guo Rui
Published: April 2018

Drug/gene co-delivery carriers are a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
Technique and model for modifying the saturable absorption (SA) properties of 2D nanofilms by considering interband exciton recombination
Authors: Liang Guowen , Zeng Longhui , Tsang Yuen Hong , Tao Lili , Tang Chun Yin , Cheng Ping Kwong , Long Hui , Liu Xin , Li Ji , Qu Junle , Wen Qiao
Published: April 2018

A technique for modifying the saturable absorption (SA) properties of 2D nanofilms and a pulse width-dependent theoretical model of SA considering interband exciton recombination have been successfully demonstrated.
Synthetic routes to mercury chalcogenide quantum dots
Authors: Green Mark , Mirzai Hassan
Published: April 2018

In this report, we explore the synthetic chemistry behind the development of mercury chalcogenide quantum dots and highlight some key optical properties. Graphical abstract shows a HgTe quantum dots. Reproduced from M. Green, G. Wakefield and P. J. Dobson,J. Mater. Chem., 2003,13, 1076 with permission from The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Spectrally resolved two-photon absorption properties and switching of the multi-modal luminescence of NaYF4:Yb,Er/CdSe hybrid nanostructures
Authors: Antoniak Magda A. , Wawrzyńczyk Dominika , Zaręba Jan K. , Samoć Marek , Nyk Marcin
Published: April 2018

The combination of NaYF4:Yb,Er NPs and CdSe QDs into NaYF4:Yb,Er/CdSe HNSs allowed lanthanide-based up-conversion and two-photon absorption to be merged in a single HNS for security applications.
Regulation of the metabolism of apolipoprotein M and sphingosine 1-phosphate by hepatic PPARγ activity
Authors: Kurano Makoto , Ikeda Hitoshi , Iso-O Naoyuki , Hara Masumi , Tsukamoto Kazuhisa , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: April 2018

Apolipoprotein M (apoM) is a carrier and a modulator of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), an important multifunctional bioactive lipid. Since peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is reportedly associated with the function and metabolism of S1P, we investigated the modulation of apoM/S1P homeostasis by PPARγ. First, we investigated the modulation of apoM and S1P homeostasis by the overexpression or knockdown of PPARγ in HepG2 cells and found that both the overexpression and the knockdown of PPARγ decreased apoM expression and S1P synthesis. When we activated or suppressed the PPARγ more mildly with pioglitazone or GW9662, we found that pioglitazone suppressed apoM expression and S1P synthesis, while GW9662 increased them. Next, we overexpressed PPARγ in mouse liver through adenoviral gene transfer and observed that both the plasma and hepatic apoM levels and the plasma S1P levels decreased, while the hepatic S1P levels increased, in the presence of enhanced sphingosine kinase activity. Treatment with pioglitazone decreased both the plasma and hepatic apoM and S1P levels only in diet-induced obese mice. Moreover, the overexpression of apoM increased, while the knockdown of apoM suppressed PPARγ activities in HepG2 cells. These results suggested that PPARγ regulates the S1P levels by modulating apoM in a bell-shaped manner, with the greatest levels of apoM/S1P observed when PPARγ was mildly expressed and that hepatic apoM/PPARγ axis might maintain the homeostasis of S1P metabolism.
Angiotensin generation in the brain: a re-evaluation
Authors: Uijl Estrellita , Ren Liwei , Danser A.H. Jan
Published: April 2018

The existence of a so-called brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is controversial. Given the presence of the blood–brain barrier, angiotensin generation in the brain, if occurring, should depend on local synthesis of renin and angiotensinogen. Yet, although initially brain-selective expression of intracellular renin was reported, data in intracellular renin knockout animals argue against a role for this renin in angiotensin generation. Moreover, renin levels in brain tissue at most represented renin in trapped blood. Additionally, in neurogenic hypertension brain prorenin up-regulation has been claimed, which would generate angiotensin following its binding to the (pro)renin receptor. However, recent studies reported no evidence for prorenin expression in the brain, nor for its selective up-regulation in neurogenic hypertension, and the (pro)renin receptor rather displays RAS-unrelated functions. Finally, although angiotensinogen mRNA is detectable in the brain, brain angiotensinogen protein levels are low, and even these low levels might be an overestimation due to assay artefacts. Taken together, independent angiotensin generation in the brain is unlikely. Indeed, brain angiotensin levels are extremely low, with angiotensin (Ang) I levels corresponding to the small amounts of Ang I in trapped blood plasma, and Ang II levels at most representing Ang II bound to (vascular) brain Ang II type 1 receptors. This review concludes with a unifying concept proposing the blood origin of angiotensin in the brain, possibly resulting in increased levels following blood–brain barrier disruption (e.g. due to hypertension), and suggesting that interfering with either intracellular renin or the (pro)renin receptor has consequences in an RAS-independent manner.
The evolution of the X-ray afterglow emission of GW 170817/ GRB 170817A in XMM-Newton observations
Authors: D’Avanzo P. , Campana S. , Salafia O. S. , Ghirlanda G. , Ghisellini G. , Melandri A. , Bernardini M. G. , Branchesi M. , Chassande-Mottin E. , Covino S. , D’Elia V. , Nava L. , Salvaterra R. , Tagliaferri G. , Vergani S. D.
Published: April 2018

We report our observation of the short gamma-ray burst (GRB) GRB 170817A, associated to the binary neutron star merger gravitational wave (GW) event GW 170817, performed in the X-ray band with XMM-Newton 135 d after the event (on 29 December, 2017). We find evidence for a flattening of the X-ray light curve with respect to the previously observed brightening. This is also supported by a nearly simultaneous optical Hubble Space Telescope observation and successive X-ray Chandra and low-frequency radio observations recently reported in the literature. Since the optical-to-X-ray spectral slope did not change with respect to previous observations, we exclude that the change in the temporal evolution of the light curve is due to the passage of the cooling frequency: its origin must be geometric or dynamical. We interpret all the existing afterglow data with two models: i) a structured jet and ii) a jet-less isotropic fireball with some stratification in its radial velocity structure. Both models fit the data and predict that the radio flux must decrease simultaneously with the optical and X-ray emission, making it difficult to distinguish between them at the present stage. Polarimetric measurements and the rate of short GRB-GW associations in future LIGO/Virgo runs will be key to disentangle these two geometrically different scenarios.
Boris Choubert: Unrecognized visionary geologist, pioneer of the global tectonics
Authors: Kornprobst Jacques , Àbalos Benito , Barbey Pierre , Boullier Anne-Marie , Burg Jean-Pierre , Capdevila Ramon , Claesson Stefan , Cordani Umberto , Corrigan David , Gabrielsen Roy H. , Gil-Ibarguchi José I. , Johansson Åke , Letsch Dominik , Le Vigouroux Philippe , Upton Brian
Published: April 2018

This work is a review of Boris Choubert’s paper (1935), which was published in French under the rather devalorizing title: “Research on the Genesis of Palaeozoic and Precambrian Belts.” Despite its innovative content, this article had no impact either at the time of its publication or even later. It begins with the construction of a remarkable fit of the circum-Atlantic continents. This was based on the −1.000 meters isobath instead of the shoreline. Thirty years before Bullardet al.(1965), it demonstrated in an indisputable way the reality of the continents motion on the surface of the Earth. Therefore, Choubert designated Wegener’s “continental drift” as the main cause of tectonics. Even going beyond Wegener’s theory, he argued that this mechanism was efficient well before the formation of the Triassic Pangæa, during the whole Palaeozoic to result in the building of the Caledonian and Hercynian mountains. Although he was still encumbered by the vocabulary of the time regarding geosynclines, Boris Choubert described tectonics based on the horizontal mobility of the Precambrian continental blocks. Oddly enough, he did not apply this model to the Precambrian structures, which he attributed to the effects of the Earth’s rotation on the continental crust during its solidification. At the time of its publication, this paper was a very important step towards understanding global tectonics. Unfortunately, Choubert’s contemporaries did not generally recognize its significance.