bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐548j functions as a metastasis promoter in human breast cancer by targeting Tensin1
Authors: Zhan Yun , Liang Xiaoshuan , Li Lin , Wang Baona , Ding Fang , Li Yi , Wang Xiang , Zhan Qimin , Liu Zhihua
Published: February 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single‐stranded, small non‐coding RNA molecules that participate in important biological processes. Although the functions of many miRNAs in breast cancer metastasis have been established, the role of others remains to be characterized. To identify additional miRNAs involved in metastasis, we performed a genetic screen by transducing a Lenti‐miR™ virus library into MCF‐7 cells. Using transwell invasion assays we identified human miR‐548j as an invasion‐inducing miRNA. The endogenous levels of miR‐548j expression in breast cancer cell lines were shown to correlate with invasiveness. Moreover, miR‐548j was shown to stimulate breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, but had no effect on proliferation. Next, using a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, we found that Tensin1 served as a direct and functional target of miR‐548j. Both miR‐548j and Tensin1 modulated the activation of Cdc42 to regulate cell invasion and siCdc42 or the selective Cdc42 inhibitor ML141 suppressed the pathway of miR‐548j‐mediated cell invasion. Furthermore, a strong correlation between miR‐548j, Tensin1, metastasis and survival was observed using two sets of clinical breast cancer samples. Our findings demonstrate that miR‐548j functions as a metastasis‐promoting miRNA to regulate breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis by targeting Tensin1 and activating Cdc42, suggesting a potential therapeutic application in breast cancer.
Effect of single-dose albendazole and vitamin A supplementation on the iron status of pre-school children in Sichuan, China
Authors: Chen Ke , Xie Hu Mina , Tian Weizheng , Zheng Xiaoling , Jiang Alice C.
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of single-dose albendazole and vitamin A intervention on the anaemic status and Fe metabolism of pre-school children. This study was a randomised, placebo-controlled and double-blinded intervention trial. All eligible anaemic pre-school children were randomly divided into three groups: group 1 received no intervention, which served as the control group, group 2 received 400 mg single-dose albendazole administration and group 3 received a 60000 μg vitamin A capsule combined with 400 mg single-dose albendazole at the beginning of the study. The follow-up period was for 6 months. Anthropometry and biochemical index about Fe metabolism were measured before and after intervention. A total of 209 pre-school anaemic children were randomly divided into three intervention groups (sixty-four, sixty-two and sixty for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). The mean age of the children in the study was 4·4 (sd 0·7) years and 50·5 % of the children were female (94/186). After a follow-up period of 6 months, the levels of serum retinol, ferritin, transferrin receptor-ferritin index and body total Fe content of children in group 3 were significantly higher compared with children in groups 1 and 2 (P<0·05). Moreover, the proportion of vitamin A deficiency, marginal vitamin A deficiency and Fe deficiency among children in group 3 were markedly lower compared with children in groups 1 and 2 (P<0·05). Albendazole plus vitamin A administration showed more efficacy on the improvement of serum retinol and Fe metabolic status.
Pseudosuccinea columella: experimental co-infections of juvenile and pre-adult snails with the digeneans Calicophoron daubneyi and Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Dreyfuss G. , Vignoles P. , Rondelaud D.
Published: February 2016

Experimental co-infections of juvenile and pre-adult Pseudosuccinea columella with Calicophoron daubneyi and Fasciola hepatica (five miracidia of each digenean per snail) were carried out to determine the aptitude of this lymnaeid to ensure complete larval development of the former parasite, the latter or both. Snails infected with F. hepatica were found in the two groups of juveniles, i.e. 1 and 2 mm at exposure, and the four groups of pre-adults, i.e. 3–6 mm. The highest frequency of F. hepatica, i.e. 37.3%, was noted in the 4 mm group. Low frequencies were noted for C. daubneyi and co-infections of both digeneans in the 3, 4 and 5 mm groups. Two other groups of P. columella, measuring 3 and 4 mm at exposure, were also constituted to study the characteristics of these co-infections. Compared to controls infected only with F. hepatica, the frequency of this digenean infection and the mean number of metacercariae were significantly lower in co-infected snails, while the patent period was significantly shorter. In snails harbouring C. daubneyi only or both digeneans, lower values were noted for prevalence, the patent period and the number of metacercariae. Pre-adult P. columella (3–5 mm in shell height at exposure) were able to sustain larval development of C. daubneyi if they were co-infected with the sequence C. daubneyi +F. hepatica. Low values noted for the prevalence of C. daubneyi infection and the number of metacercariae would be in favour of a still incomplete adaptation between the snail population and the miracidial isolate.
Automatic Alerts for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Surveillance and Control: Role of a Hospital Information System
Authors: Pittet Didier , Safran Edith , Harbarth Stephan , Borst François , Copin Pascale , Rohner Peter , Scherrer Jean-Raoul , Auckenthaler Raymond
Published: February 2016

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an escalating problem in hospitals worldwide. The hospital reservoir for MRSA includes recognized and unrecognized colonized or infected patients, as well as previously colonized or infected patients readmitted to the hospital. Early and appropriate infection control measures (ICM) are key elements to reduce MRSA transmission and to control the hospital reservoir.

Objective: To describe the role of an expert system applied to the control of MRSA at a large medical center (1,600 beds) with high endemic rates.

Methods: The University Hospital of Geneva has an extended hospital information system (HIS), DIOGENE, structured with an open distributed architecture. It includes administrative, medical, nursing, and laboratory applications with their relational databases. Among available patient databases, clinical microbiology laboratory and admission-discharge-transfer (ADT) databases are used to generate computer alerts. A laboratory alert (lab alert) is printed daily in the Infection Control Program (ICP) offices, listing all patients with cultures positive for MRSA detected within the preceding 24 hours. Patients might be either newly detected patients colonized or infected with MRSA, or previously recognized MRSA patients having surveillance cultures. The ICP nurses subsequently go to the ward or call the ward personnel to implement ICM. A second alert, the “readmission alert,” detects readmission to the hospital of any patient previously colonized or infected with MRSA by periodic queries (q 1 min) to the ADT database. The readmission alert is printed in the ICP offices, but also forwarded with added guidelines to the emergency room.

Results: During the first 12 months of application (July 1994 to June 1995), the lab alert detected an average of 4.6 isolates per day, corresponding to 314 hospital admissions (248 patients); the use of this alert saved time for the ICP nurses by improving work organization. There were 438 readmission alerts (1.2 alerts per day) over the study period; of 347 patients screened immediately upon readmission, 114 (33%) were positive for MRSA carriage. Delayed recognition of readmitted MRSA carriers decreased significantly after the implementation of this alert; the proportion of MRSA patients recognized at the time of admission to the hospital increased from 13% in 1993 to 40% in 1995 (P<.001).

Conclusions: Hospital information system-based alerts can play an important role in the surveillance and early prevention of MRSA transmission, and it can help to recognize patterns of colonization and transmission.
The interaction between the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) variable number tandem repeat polymorphism and perceived peer drinking norms in adolescent alcohol use and misuse
Authors: Park Aesoon , Kim Jueun , Zaso Michelle J. , Glatt Stephen J. , Sher Kenneth J. , Scott-Sheldon Lori A. J. , Eckert Tanya L. , Vanable Peter A. , Carey Kate B. , Ewart Craig K. , Carey Michael P.
Published: February 2016

Peer drinking norms are arguably one of the strongest correlates of adolescent drinking. Prospective studies indicate that adolescents tend to select peers based on drinking (peer selection) and their peers' drinking is associated with changes in adolescent drinking over time (peer socialization). The present study investigated whether the peer selection and socialization processes in adolescent drinking differed as a function of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) variable number tandem repeat genotype in two independent prospective data sets. The first sample was 174 high school students drawn from a two-wave 6-month prospective study. The second sample was 237 college students drawn from a three-wave annual prospective study. Multigroup cross-lagged panel analyses of the high school student sample indicated stronger socialization via peer drinking norms among carriers, whereas analyses of the college student sample indicated stronger drinking-based peer selection in the junior year among carriers, compared to noncarriers. Although replication and meta-analytic synthesis are needed, these findings suggest that in part genetically determined peer selection (carriers of theDRD4seven-repeat allele tend to associate with peers who have more favorable attitudes toward drinking and greater alcohol use) and peer socialization (carriers' subsequent drinking behaviors are more strongly associated with their peer drinking norms) may differ across adolescent developmental stages.
The transition to a democratic Portuguese judicial system: (delaying) changes in the legal culture
Authors: Dias João Paulo
Published: February 2016

The Revolution of 25 April 1974 had a strong impact on justice in Portugal. Initially, it can be said that there was evidence of a process of democratisation involving the judicial structures, together with effective improvements to conditions allowing for independent and autonomous professional performance. However, in analysing the course of judicial reforms, it can be seen that changes took place more on a legislative level than in terms of the performance of the courts, proving that the evolution of the judicial system still demands a change of the legal culture. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to reflect on the evolution of the legal architecture in Portugal, seeking to determine whether the transition to a democratic judicial system is complete or whether, on the contrary, we are still faced with the process of justice in transition, delaying any changes in the current legal culture.
Volunteers and responsibility for risk-taking: Changing interpretations of the Charter of Médecins Sans Frontières
Authors: Abu Sa'Da Caroline , Crombé Xavier
Published: February 2016

The Charter of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the guiding document for all of the organization's members, states in the final paragraph that volunteers “understand the risks and dangers of the missions they carry out”. Through a review of the different periods in the history of MSF, this article analyzes the changing interpretations that the organization's successive leaders have given to this reference to the acceptance of risk by individuals. The professionalization and expansion of MSF, coupled with its diversifying volunteer base and the changing international environment, have required constant renegotiation of the balance between institutional and individual responsibility for the dangers faced in the field. No doubt this process is far from over.
Unmanned Platforms Monitor the Arctic Atmosphere
Authors: de Boer Gijs , Ivey Mark , Schmid Beat , McFarlane Sally , Petty Rickey
Published: February 2016

In the Arctic, drones and tethered balloons can make crucial atmospheric measurements to provide a unique perspective on an environment particularly vulnerable to climate change.
The exposure of the Great Barrier Reef to ocean acidification
Authors: Mongin Mathieu , Baird Mark E. , Tilbrook Bronte , Matear Richard J. , Lenton Andrew , Herzfeld Mike , Wild-Allen Karen , Skerratt Jenny , Margvelashvili Nugzar , Robson Barbara J. , Duarte Carlos M. , Gustafsson Malin S. M. , Ralph Peter J. , Steven Andrew D. L.
Published: February 2016

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is founded on reef-building corals. Corals build their exoskeleton with aragonite, but ocean acidification is lowering the aragonite saturation state of seawater (Ωa). The downscaling of ocean acidification projections from global to GBR scales requires the set of regional drivers controlling Ωa to be resolved. Here we use a regional coupled circulation–biogeochemical model and observations to estimate the Ωa experienced by the 3,581 reefs of the GBR, and to apportion the contributions of the hydrological cycle, regional hydrodynamics and metabolism on Ωa variability. We find more detail, and a greater range (1.43), than previously compiled coarse maps of Ωa of the region (0.4), or in observations (1.0). Most of the variability in Ωa is due to processes upstream of the reef in question. As a result, future decline in Ωa is likely to be steeper on the GBR than currently projected by the IPCC assessment report.
Repositioning tolcapone as a potent inhibitor of transthyretin amyloidogenesis and associated cellular toxicity
Authors: Sant'Anna Ricardo , Gallego Pablo , Robinson Lei Z. , Pereira-Henriques Alda , Ferreira Nelson , Pinheiro Francisca , Esperante Sebastian , Pallares Irantzu , Huertas Oscar , Rosário Almeida Maria , Reixach Natàlia , Insa Raul , Velazquez-Campoy Adrian , Reverter David , Reig Núria , Ventura Salvador
Published: February 2016

Transthyretin (TTR) is a plasma homotetrameric protein implicated in fatal systemic amyloidoses. TTR tetramer dissociation precedes pathological TTR aggregation. Native state stabilizers are promising drugs to treat TTR amyloidoses. Here we repurpose tolcapone, an FDA-approved molecule for Parkinson’s disease, as a potent TTR aggregation inhibitor. Tolcapone binds specifically to TTR in human plasma, stabilizes the native tetramer in vivo in mice and humans and inhibits TTR cytotoxicity. Crystal structures of tolcapone bound to wild-type TTR and to the V122I cardiomyopathy-associated variant show that it docks better into the TTR T4 pocket than tafamidis, so far the only drug on the market to treat TTR amyloidoses. These data indicate that tolcapone, already in clinical trials for familial amyloid polyneuropathy, is a strong candidate for therapeutic intervention in these diseases, including those affecting the central nervous system, for which no small-molecule therapy exists.
Correction: Corrigendum: The Serum Profile of Hypercytokinemia Factors Identified in H7N9-Infected Patients can Predict Fatal Outcomes
Authors: Guo Jing , Huang Fengming , Liu Jun , Chen Yu , Wang Wei , Cao Bin , Zou Zhen , Liu Song , Pan Jingcao , Bao Changjun , Zeng Mei , Xiao Haixia , Gao Hainv , Yang Shigui , Zhao Yan , Liu Qiang , Zhou Huandi , Zhu Jingdong , Liu Xiaoli , Liang Weifeng , Yang Yida , Zheng Shufa , Yang Jiezuan , Diao Hongyan , Su Kunkai , Shao Li , Cao Hongcui , Wu Ying , Zhao Min , Tan Shuguang , Li Hui , Xu Xiaoqing , Wang Chunmei , Zhang Jianmin , Wang Li , Wang Jianwei , Xu Jun , Li Dangsheng , Zhong Nanshan , Cao Xuetao , Gao George F. , Li Lanjuan , Jiang Chengyu
Published: February 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 10942; published online: 01 June 2015; updated: 23 February 2016 This Article contains typographical errors in Table 2 where ‘Week 2 (N = 32)’ was incorrectly given as ‘Week (N = 2)’.
Thalidomide-induced limb abnormalities in a humanized CYP3A mouse model
Authors: Kazuki Yasuhiro , Akita Masaharu , Kobayashi Kaoru , Osaki Mitsuhiko , Satoh Daisuke , Ohta Ryo , Abe Satoshi , Takehara Shoko , Kazuki Kanako , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Kamataki Tetsuya , Oshimura Mitsuo
Published: February 2016

Thalidomide is a teratogen in humans but not in rodents. It causes multiple birth defects including malformations of limbs, ears, and other organs. However, the species-specific mechanism of thalidomide teratogenicity is not completely understood. Reproduction of the human teratogenicity of thalidomide in rodents has previously failed because of the lack of a model reflecting human drug metabolism. In addition, because the maternal metabolic effect cannot be eliminated, the migration of unchanged thalidomide to embryos is suppressed, and the metabolic activation is insufficient to develop teratogenicity. Previously, we generated transchromosomic mice containing a human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A cluster in which the endogenous mouse Cyp3a genes were deleted. Here, we determined whether human CYP3A or mouse Cyp3a enzyme expression was related to the species difference in a whole embryo culture system using humanized CYP3A mouse embryos. Thalidomide-treated embryos with the human CYP3A gene cluster showed limb abnormalities, and human CYP3A was expressed in the placenta, suggesting that human CYP3A in the placenta may contribute to the teratogenicity of thalidomide. These data suggest that the humanized CYP3A mouse is a useful model to predict embryonic toxicity in humans.
Genome wide association study of uric acid in Indian population and interaction of identified variants with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Giri Anil K , Banerjee Priyanka , Chakraborty Shraddha , Kauser Yasmeen , Undru Aditya , Roy Suki , Parekatt Vaisak , Ghosh Saurabh , Tandon Nikhil , Bharadwaj Dwaipayan
Published: February 2016

Abnormal level of Serum Uric Acid (SUA) is an important marker and risk factor for complex diseases including Type 2 Diabetes. Since genetic determinant of uric acid in Indians is totally unexplored, we tried to identify common variants associated with SUA in Indians using Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS). Association of five known variants in SLC2A9 and SLC22A11 genes with SUA level in 4,834 normoglycemics (1,109 in discovery and 3,725 in validation phase) was revealed with different effect size in Indians compared to other major ethnic population of the world. Combined analysis of 1,077 T2DM subjects (772 in discovery and 305 in validation phase) and normoglycemics revealed additional GWAS signal in ABCG2 gene. Differences in effect sizes of ABCG2 and SLC2A9 gene variants were observed between normoglycemics and T2DM patients. We identified two novel variants near long non-coding RNA genes AL356739.1 and AC064865.1 with nearly genome wide significance level. Meta-analysis and in silico replication in 11,745 individuals from AUSTWIN consortium improved association for rs12206002 in AL356739.1 gene to sub-genome wide association level. Our results extends association of SLC2A9, SLC22A11 and ABCG2 genes with SUA level in Indians and enrich the assemblages of evidence for SUA level and T2DM interrelationship.
Correction: Corrigendum: Magnetization Reversal by Out-of-plane Voltage in BiFeO3-based Multiferroic Heterostructures
Authors: Wang J. J. , Hu J. M. , Peng Ren-Ci , Gao Y. , Shen Y. , Chen L. Q. , Nan C. W.
Published: February 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number:10459; published online: 21 May 2015; updated: 23 February 2016 This Article contains a typographical error in a grant number in the Acknowledgements section. “This work was supported by the NSF of China (Grant Nos 11234005, 51332001, 51221291, and 51472140), andthe NSF (Grant No: DMR-1410714, DMR-0820404, and DMR-1210588).
New pathway for the formation of metallic cubic phase Ge-Sb-Te compounds induced by an electric current
Authors: Park Yong-Jin , Cho Ju-Young , Jeong Min-Woo , Na Sekwon , Joo Young-Chang
Published: February 2016

The novel discovery of a current-induced transition from insulator to metal in the crystalline phase of Ge2Sb2Te5 and GeSb4Te7 have been studied by means of a model using line-patterned samples. The resistivity of cubic phase Ge-Sb-Te compound was reduced by an electrical current (~1 MA/cm2), and the final resistivity was determined based on the stress current density, regardless of the initial resistivity and temperature, which indicates that the conductivity of Ge-Sb-Te compound can be modulated by an electrical current. The minimum resistivity of Ge-Sb-Te materials can be achieved at high kinetic rates by applying an electrical current, and the material properties change from insulating to metallic behavior without a phase transition. The current-induced metal transition is more effective in GeSb4Te7 than Ge2Sb2Te5, which depends on the intrinsic vacancy of materials. Electromigration, which is the migration of atoms induced by a momentum transfer from charge carriers, can easily promote the rearrangement of vacancies in the cubic phase of Ge-Sb-Te compound. This behavior differs significantly from thermal annealing, which accompanies a phase transition to the hexagonal phase. This result suggests a new pathway for modulating the electrical conductivity and material properties of chalcogenide materials by applying an electrical current.
Real-time bacterial microcolony counting using on-chip microscopy
Authors: Jung Jae Hee , Lee Jung Eun
Published: February 2016

Observing microbial colonies is the standard method for determining the microbe titer and investigating the behaviors of microbes. Here, we report an automated, real-time bacterial microcolony-counting system implemented on a wide field-of-view (FOV), on-chip microscopy platform, termed ePetri. Using sub-pixel sweeping microscopy (SPSM) with a super-resolution algorithm, this system offers the ability to dynamically track individual bacterial microcolonies over a wide FOV of 5.7 mm × 4.3 mm without requiring a moving stage or lens. As a demonstration, we obtained high-resolution time-series images of S. epidermidis at 20-min intervals. We implemented an image-processing algorithm to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of microcolonies, the development of which could be observed from a single bacterial cell. Test bacterial colonies with a minimum diameter of 20 μm could be enumerated within 6 h. We showed that our approach not only provides results that are comparable to conventional colony-counting assays but also can be used to monitor the dynamics of colony formation and growth. This microcolony-counting system using on-chip microscopy represents a new platform that substantially reduces the detection time for bacterial colony counting. It uses chip-scale image acquisition and is a simple and compact solution for the automation of colony-counting assays and microbe behavior analysis with applications in antibacterial drug discovery.
ℤ3 parafermionic chain emerging from Yang-Baxter equation
Authors: Yu Li-Wei , Ge Mo-Lin
Published: February 2016

We construct the 1D "Equation missing" parafermionic model based on the solution of Yang-Baxter equation and express the model by three types of fermions. It is shown that the "Equation missing" parafermionic chain possesses both triple degenerate ground states and non-trivial topological winding number. Hence, the "Equation missing" parafermionic model is a direct generalization of 1D "Equation missing" Kitaev model. Both the "Equation missing" and "Equation missing" model can be obtained from Yang-Baxter equation. On the other hand, to show the algebra of parafermionic tripling intuitively, we define a new 3-body Hamiltonian "Equation missing" based on Yang-Baxter equation. Different from the Majorana doubling, the "Equation missing" holds triple degeneracy at each of energy levels. The triple degeneracy is protected by two symmetry operators of the system, ω-parity P"Equation missing" and emergent parafermionic operator Γ, which are the generalizations of parity PM and emergent Majorana operator in Lee-Wilczek model, respectively. Both the "Equation missing" parafermionic model and "Equation missing" can be viewed as SU(3) models in color space. In comparison with the Majorana models for SU(2), it turns out that the SU(3) models are truly the generalization of Majorana models resultant from Yang-Baxter equation.
Study on Light Extraction from GaN-based Green Light-Emitting Diodes Using Anodic Aluminum Oxide Pattern and Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Jiang Shengxiang , Feng Yulong , Chen Zhizhong , Zhang Lisheng , Jiang Xianzhe , Jiao Qianqian , Li Junze , Chen Yifan , Li Dongsan , Liu Lijian , Yu Tongjun , Shen Bo , Zhang Guoyi
Published: February 2016

An anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) patterned sapphire substrate, with the lattice constant of 520 ± 40 nm, pore dimension of 375 ± 50 nm and height of 450 ± 25 nm was firstly used as a nanoimprint lithography (NIL) stamp and imprinted onto the surface of the green light-emitting diode (LED). A significant light extraction efficiency (LEE) was improved by 116% in comparison to that of the planar LED. A uniform broad protrusion in the central area and some sharp lobes were also obtained in the angular resolution photoluminescence (ARPL) for the AAO patterned LED. The mechanism of the enhancement was correlated to the fluctuations of the lattice constant and domain orientation of the AAO-pattern, which enabled the extraction of more guided modes from the LED device.
Correction: Corrigendum: Identification of novel PKD1 and PKD2 mutations in a Chinese population with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Liu Bei , Chen Song-Chang , Yang Yan-Mei , Yan Kai , Qian Ye-Qing , Zhang Jun-Yu , Hu Yu-Ting , Dong Min-Yue , Jin Fan , Huang He-Feng , Xu Chen-Ming
Published: February 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 17468; published online: 03 December 2015; updated: 23 February 2016 This Article contains typographical errors in Table 2. For Family No. 19, the cDNA change ‘c.8795_8796insA’ and protein change ‘p.His2932GlnfsX5’ were incorrectly given as ‘c.8495-8496insA’ and‘p.
Generation of Customizable Micro-wavy Pattern through Grayscale Direct Image Lithography
Authors: He Ran , Wang Shunqiang , Andrews Geoffrey , Shi Wentao , Liu Yaling
Published: February 2016

With the increasing amount of research work in surface studies, a more effective method of producing patterned microstructures is highly desired due to the geometric limitations and complex fabricating process of current techniques. This paper presents an efficient and cost-effective method to generate customizable micro-wavy pattern using direct image lithography. This method utilizes a grayscale Gaussian distribution effect to model inaccuracies inherent in the polymerization process, which are normally regarded as trivial matters or errors. The measured surface profiles and the mathematical prediction show a good agreement, demonstrating the ability of this method to generate wavy patterns with precisely controlled features. An accurate pattern can be generated with customizable parameters (wavelength, amplitude, wave shape, pattern profile and overall dimension). This mask-free photolithography approach provides a rapid fabrication method that is capable of generating complex and non-uniform 3D wavy patterns with the wavelength ranging from 12 μm to 2100 μm and an amplitude-to-wavelength ratio as large as 300%. Microfluidic devices with pure wavy and wavy-herringbone patterns suitable for capture of circulating tumor cells are made as a demonstrative application. A completely customized microfluidic device with wavy patterns can be created within a few hours without access to clean room or commercial photolithography equipment.
Enhanced Boron Tolerance in Plants Mediated by Bidirectional Transport Through Plasma Membrane Intrinsic Proteins
Authors: Mosa Kareem A. , Kumar Kundan , Chhikara Sudesh , Musante Craig , White Jason C. , Dhankher Om Parkash
Published: February 2016

High boron (B) concentration is toxic to plants that limit plant productivity. Recent studies have shown the involvement of the members of major intrinsic protein (MIP) family in controlling B transport. Here, we have provided experimental evidences showing the bidirectional transport activity of rice OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6. Boron transport ability of OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 were displayed in yeast HD9 mutant strain (∆fps1∆acr3∆ycf1) as a result of increased B sensitivity, influx and accumulation by OsPIP1;3 and rapid efflux activity by OsPIP2;6. RT-PCR analysis showed strong upregulation of OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 transcripts in roots by B toxicity. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 exhibited enhanced tolerance to B toxicity. Furthermore, B concentration was significantly increased after 2 and 3 hours of tracer boron (10B) treatment. Interestingly, a rapid efflux of 10B from the roots of the transgenic plants was observed within 1 h of 10B treatment. Boron tolerance in OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 lines was inhibited by aquaporin inhibitors, silver nitrate and sodium azide. Our data proved that OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 are indeed involved in both influx and efflux of boron transport. Manipulation of these PIPs could be highly useful in improving B tolerance in crops grown in high B containing soils.
Reversal of epigenetic silencing of MHC class I chain-related protein A and B improves immune recognition of Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Ritter Cathrin , Fan Kaiji , Paulson Kelly G. , Nghiem Paul , Schrama David , Becker Jürgen C.
Published: February 2016

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a virally associated cancer characterized by its aggressive behavior and strong immunogenicity. Both viral infection and malignant transformation induce expression of MHC class I chain-related protein (MIC) A and B, which signal stress to cells of the immune system via Natural Killer group 2D (NKG2D) resulting in elimination of target cells. However, despite transformation and the continued presence of virally-encoded proteins, MICs are only expressed in a minority of MCC tumors in situ and are completely absent on MCC cell lines in vitro. This lack of MIC expression was due to epigenetic silencing via MIC promoter hypo-acetylation; indeed, MIC expression was re-induced by pharmacological inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) both in vitro and in vivo. This re-induction of MICs rendered MCC cells more sensitive to immune-mediated lysis. Thus, epigenetic silencing of MICs is an important immune escape mechanism of MCCs.
Is plant evolutionary history impacting recruitment of diazotrophs and nifH expression in the rhizosphere?
Authors: Bouffaud Marie-Lara , Renoud Sébastien , Moënne-Loccoz Yvan , Muller Daniel
Published: February 2016

Plant evolutionary history influences the taxonomic composition of the root-associated bacterial community, but whether it can also modulate its functioning is unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that crop diversification is a significant factor determining the ecology of the functional group of nitrogen-fixing bacteria the rhizosphere of Poaceae. A greenhouse experiment was carried out using a range of Poaceae, i.e. four Zea mays varieties (from two genetic groups) and teosinte (representing maize’s ancestor), sorghum (from the same Panicoideae subfamily) and wheat (from neighboring Pooideae subfamily), as well as the dicot tomato as external reference. Diazotroph rhizosphere community was characterized at 21 days in terms of size (quantitative PCR of nifH genes), composition (T-RFLP and partial sequencing of nifH alleles) and functioning (quantitative RT-PCR, T-RFLP and partial sequencing of nifH transcripts). Plant species and varieties had a significant effect on diazotroph community size and the number of nifH transcripts per root system. Contrarily to expectations, however, there was no relation between Poaceae evolutionary history and the size, diversity or expression of the rhizosphere diazotroph community. These results suggest a constant selection of this functional group through evolution for optimization of nitrogen fixation in the rhizosphere.
Regulation of Transcription Factor Yin Yang 1 by SET7/9-mediated Lysine Methylation
Authors: Zhang Wen-juan , Wu Xiao-nan , Shi Tao-tao , Xu Huan-teng , Yi Jia , Shen Hai-feng , Huang Ming-feng , Shu Xing-yi , Wang Fei-fei , Peng Bing-ling , Xiao Rong-quan , Gao Wei-wei , Ding Jian-cheng , Liu Wen
Published: February 2016

Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a multifunctional transcription factor shown to be critical in a variety of biological processes. Although it is regulated by multiple types of post-translational modifications (PTMs), whether YY1 is methylated, which enzyme methylates YY1 and hence the functional significance of YY1 methylation remains completely unknown. Here we reported the first methyltransferase, SET7/9 (KMT7), capable of methylating YY1 at two highly conserved lysine (K) residues, K173 and K411, located in two distinct domains, one in the central glycine-rich region and the other in the very carboxyl-terminus. Functional studies revealed that SET7/9-mediated YY1 methylation regulated YY1 DNA-binding activity both in vitro and at specific genomic loci in cultured cells. Consistently, SET7/9-mediated YY1 methylation was shown to involve in YY1-regulated gene transcription and cell proliferation. Our findings revealed a novel regulatory strategy, methylation by lysine methyltransferase, imposed on YY1 protein and linked YY1 methylation with its biological functions.
SGLT1 activity in lung alveolar cells of diabetic rats modulates airway surface liquid glucose concentration and bacterial proliferation
Authors: Oliveira Tales Lyra , Candeia-Medeiros Návylla , Cavalcante-Araújo Polliane M. , Melo Igor Santana , Fávaro-Pípi Elaine , Fátima Luciana Alves , Rocha Antônio Augusto , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Machado Ubiratan Fabres , Campos Ruy R. , Sabino-Silva Robinson
Published: February 2016

High glucose concentration in the airway surface liquid (ASL) is an important feature of diabetes that predisposes to respiratory infections. We investigated the role of alveolar epithelial SGLT1 activity on ASL glucose concentration and bacterial proliferation. Non-diabetic and diabetic rats were intranasally treated with saline, isoproterenol (to increase SGLT1 activity) or phlorizin (to decrease SGLT1 activity); 2 hours later, glucose concentration and bacterial proliferation (methicillin-resistant Sthaphylococcus aureus, MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. aeruginosa) were analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); and alveolar SGLT1 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. BAL glucose concentration and bacterial proliferation increased in diabetic animals: isoproterenol stimulated SGLT1 migration to luminal membrane, and reduced (50%) the BAL glucose concentration; whereas phlorizin increased the BAL glucose concentration (100%). These regulations were accompanied by parallel changes of in vitro MRSA and P. aeruginosa proliferation in BAL (r = 0.9651 and r = 0.9613, respectively, Pearson correlation). The same regulations were observed in in vivo P. aeruginosa proliferation. In summary, the results indicate a relationship among SGLT1 activity, ASL glucose concentration and pulmonary bacterial proliferation. Besides, the study highlights that, in situations of pulmonary infection risk, such as in diabetic subjects, increased SGLT1 activity may prevent bacterial proliferation whereas decreased SGLT1 activity can exacerbate it.
Succinyl-proteome profiling of a high taxol containing hybrid Taxus species (Taxus × media) revealed involvement of succinylation in multiple metabolic pathways
Authors: Shen Chenjia , Xue Jie , Sun Tao , Guo Hong , Zhang Lei , Meng Yijun , Wang Huizhong
Published: February 2016

Protein lysine succinylation, a ubiquitous protein post-translational modification among eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, represents a vital regulator of various metabolic processes. However, little is known about its functions and cellular distribution in Taxus × media, which is a hybrid Taxus species containing a high content of taxol. In this study, LC-MS/MS was used to identify peptides enriched by immune-purification with high-efficiency succinyl-lysine antibody. A total of 193 succinylated proteins and 325 succinylation sites were identified. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that these succinylated proteins were involved in a wide range of cellular functions from metabolism to protein binding and showed diverse subcellular localizations. Furthermore, our findings suggested that lysine succinylation in Taxus × media involved a diverse array of metabolic processes and protein–protein interactions. Many enzymes involved in multiple metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and carbon fixation, were identified as substrates for lysine succinylation, suggesting the presence of a common mechanism underlying the participation of succinylation in metabolic regulation. These results provide the first comprehensive view of the succinylome of Taxus × media and may catalyze future biological investigation of succinylation.
Inverted Ultrathin Organic Solar Cells with a Quasi-Grating Structure for Efficient Carrier Collection and Dip-less Visible Optical Absorption
Authors: In Sungjun , Park Namkyoo
Published: February 2016

We propose a metallic-particle-based two-dimensional quasi-grating structure for application to an organic solar cell. With the use of oblate spheroidal nanoparticles in contact with an anode ofinverted, ultrathinorganic solar cells (OSCs), the quasi-grating structure offers strong hybridization between localized surface plasmons and plasmonic gap modes leading to broadband (300~800 nm) and uniform (average ~90%) optical absorption spectra. Both strong optical enhancement in extreme confinement within the active layer (90 nm) and improved hole collection are thus realized. A coupled optical-electrical multi-physics optimization shows a large (~33%) enhancement in the optical absorption (corresponding to an absorption efficiency of ~47%, AM1.5G weighted, visible) when compared to a control OSC without the quasi-grating structure. That translates into a significant electrical performance gain of ~22% in short circuit current and ~15% in the power conversion efficiency (PCE), leading to an energy conversion efficiency (~6%) which is comparable to that of optically-thick inverted OSCs (3–7%). Detailed analysis on the influences of mode hybridization to optical field distributions, exciton generation rate, charge carrier collection efficiency and electrical conversion efficiency is provided, to offer an integrated understanding on the coupled optical-electrical optimization of ultrathin OSCs.
Noninvasive Assessment of Early Dental Lesion Using a Dual-Contrast Photoacoustic Tomography
Authors: Cheng Renxiang , Shao Jiaojiao , Gao Xiaoxiang , Tao Chao , Ge Jiuyu , Liu Xiaojun
Published: February 2016

Dental hard tissue lesions, including caries, cracked-tooth, etc., are the most prevalent diseases of people worldwide. Dental lesions and correlative diseases greatly decrease the life quality of patients throughout their lifetime. It is still hard to noninvasively detect these dental lesions in their early stages. Photoacoustic imaging is an emerging hybrid technology combining the high spatial resolution of ultrasound in deep tissue with the rich optical contrasts. In this study, a dual-contrast photoacoustic tomography is applied to detect the early dental lesions. One contrast, named B-mode, is related to the optical absorption. It is good at providing the sharp image about the morphological and macro-structural features of the teeth. Another contrast, named S-mode, is associated with the micro-structural and mechanical properties of the hard tissue. It is sensitive to the change of tissue properties induced by the early dental lesions. Experiments show that the comprehensive analysis of dual-contrast information can provide reliable information of the early dental lesions. Moreover, the imaging parameter of S-mode is device-independent and it could measure tissue properties quantitatively. We expect that the proposed scheme could be beneficial for improving safety, accuracy and sensitivity of the clinical diagnosis of the dental lesion.
Effects of forests, roads and mistletoe on bird diversity in monoculture rubber plantations
Authors: Sreekar Rachakonda , Huang Guohualing , Yasuda Mika , Quan Rui-Chang , Goodale Eben , Corlett Richard T. , Tomlinson Kyle W.
Published: February 2016

Rising global demand for natural rubber is expanding monoculture rubber (Hevea brasilensis) at the expense of natural forests in the Old World tropics. Conversion of forests into rubber plantations has a devastating impact on biodiversity and we have yet to identify management strategies that can mitigate this. We determined the life-history traits that best predict bird species occurrence in rubber plantations in SW China and investigated the effects of surrounding forest cover and distance to roads on bird diversity. Mistletoes provide nectar and fruit resources in rubber so we examined mistletoe densities and the relationship with forest cover and rubber tree diameter. In rubber plantations, we recorded less than half of all bird species extant in the surrounding area. Birds with wider habitat breadths and low conservation value had a higher probability of occurrence. Species richness and diversity increased logarithmically with surrounding forest cover, but roads had little effect. Mistletoe density increased exponentially with rubber tree diameters, but was unrelated to forest cover. To maximize bird diversity in rubber-dominated landscapes it is therefore necessary to preserve as much forest as possible, construct roads through plantations and not forest and retain some large rubber trees with mistletoes during crop rotations.
Mechanical Fracturing of Core-Shell Undercooled Metal Particles for Heat-Free Soldering
Authors: Çınar Simge , Tevis Ian D. , Chen Jiahao , Thuo Martin
Published: February 2016

Phase-change materials, such as meta-stable undercooled (supercooled) liquids, have been widely recognized as a suitable route for complex fabrication and engineering. Despite comprehensive studies on the undercooling phenomenon, little progress has been made in the use of undercooled metals, primarily due to low yields and poor stability. This paper reports the use of an extension of droplet emulsion technique (SLICE) to produce undercooled core-shell particles of structure; metal/oxide shell-acetate (‘/’ = physisorbed, ‘-’ = chemisorbed), from molten Field’s metal (Bi-In-Sn) and Bi-Sn alloys. These particles exhibit stability against solidification at ambient conditions. Besides synthesis, we report the use of these undercooled metal, liquid core-shell, particles for heat free joining and manufacturing at ambient conditions. Our approach incorporates gentle etching and/or fracturing of outer oxide-acetate layers through mechanical stressing or shearing, thus initiating a cascade entailing fluid flow with concomitant deformation, combination/alloying, shaping, and solidification. This simple and low cost technique for soldering and fabrication enables formation of complex shapes and joining at the meso- and micro-scale at ambient conditions without heat or electricity.
H18 Carbon: A New Metallic Phase with sp2-sp3 Hybridized Bonding Network
Authors: Zhao Chun-Xiang , Niu Chun-Yao , Qin Zhi-Jie , Ren Xiao Yan , Wang Jian-Tao , Cho Jun-Hyung , Jia Yu
Published: February 2016

Design and synthesis of three-dimensional metallic carbons are currently one of the hot issues in contemporary condensed matter physics because of their fascinating properties. Here, based on first-principles calculations, we discover a novel stable metallic carbon allotrope (termed H18 carbon) in "Equation missing" ("Equation missing") symmetry with a mixed sp2-sp3 hybridized bonding network. The dynamical stability of H18 carbon is verified by phonon mode analysis and molecular dynamics simulations and its mechanical stability is analyzed by elastic constants, bulk modulus and shear modulus. By simulating the x-ray diffraction patterns, we propose that H18 carbon would be one of the unidentified carbon phases observed in recent detonation experiments. The analysis of the band structure and density of states reveal that this new carbon phase has a metallic feature mainly due to the C atoms with sp2 hybridization. This novel 3D metallic carbon phase is anticipated to be useful for practical applications such as electronic and mechanical devices.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: One-step Conjugation of Glycyrrhetinic Acid to Cationic Polymers for High-performance Gene Delivery to Cultured Liver Cell
Authors: Cong Yue , Shi Bingyang , Lu Yiqing , Wen Shihui , Chung Roger , Jin Dayong
Published: February 2016

Gene therapies represent a promising therapeutic route for liver cancers, but major challenges remain in the design of safe and efficient gene-targeting delivery systems. For example, cationic polymers show good transfection efficiency as gene carriers, but are hindered by cytotoxicity and non-specific targeting. Here we report a versatile method of one-step conjugation of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) to reduce cytotoxicity and improve the cultured liver cell -targeting capability of cationic polymers. We have explored a series of cationic polymer derivatives by coupling different ratios of GA to polypropylenimine (PPI) dendrimer. These new gene carriers (GA-PPI dendrimer) were systematically characterized by UV-vis,1H NMR titration, electron microscopy, zeta potential, dynamic light-scattering, gel electrophoresis, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. We demonstrate that GA-PPI dendrimers can efficiently load and protect pDNA, via formation of nanostructured GA-PPI/pDNA polyplexes. With optimal GA substitution degree (6.31%), GA-PPI dendrimers deliver higher liver cell transfection efficiency (43.5% vs 22.3%) and lower cytotoxicity (94.3% vs 62.5%, cell viability) than the commercial bench-mark DNA carrier bPEI (25kDa) with cultured liver model cells (HepG2). There results suggest that our new GA-PPI dendrimer are a promising candidate gene carrier for targeted liver cancer therapy.
The genome of the miiuy croaker reveals well-developed innate immune and sensory systems
Authors: Xu Tianjun , Xu Guoliang , Che Rongbo , Wang Rixin , Wang Yanjin , Li Jinrui , Wang Shanchen , Shu Chang , Sun Yuena , Liu Tianxing , Liu Jiang , Wang Aishuai , Han Jingjing , Chu Qing , Yang Qiong
Published: February 2016

The miiuy croaker, Miichthys miiuy, is a representative Sciaenidae known for its exceptionally large otoliths. This species mainly inhabits turbid aquatic environments with mud to sandy mud bottoms. However, the characteristics of the immune system of this organism and its specific aquatic environment adaptations are poorly understood. Thus, we present a high-quality draft genome of miiuy croaker. The expansions of several gene families which are critical for the fish innate immune system were identified. Compared with the genomes of other fishes, some changes have occurred in the miiuy croaker sensory system including modification of vision and expansion of taste and olfaction receptors. These changes allow miiuy croaker to adapt to the environment during the long-term natural selection. The genome of miiuy croaker may elucidate its relatively well-developed immune defense and provide an adaptation model of the species thriving in turbid deep aquatic environments.