bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BCAT1 controls metabolic reprogramming in activated human macrophages and is associated with inflammatory diseases
Authors: Papathanassiu Adonia E. , Ko Jeong-Hun , Imprialou Martha , Bagnati Marta , Srivastava Prashant K. , Vu Hong A. , Cucchi Danilo , McAdoo Stephen P. , Ananieva Elitsa A. , Mauro Claudio , Behmoaras Jacques
Published: July 2017

Branched-chain aminotransferases (BCAT) are enzymes that initiate the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), such as leucine, thereby providing macromolecule precursors; however, the function of BCATs in macrophages is unknown. Here we show that BCAT1 is the predominant BCAT isoform in human primary macrophages. We identify ERG240 as a leucine analogue that blocks BCAT1 activity. Selective inhibition of BCAT1 activity results in decreased oxygen consumption and glycolysis. This decrease is associated with reduced IRG1 levels and itaconate synthesis, suggesting involvement of BCAA catabolism through the IRG1/itaconate axis within the tricarboxylic acid cycle in activated macrophages. ERG240 suppresses production of IRG1 and itaconate in mice and contributes to a less proinflammatory transcriptome signature. Oral administration of ERG240 reduces the severity of collagen-induced arthritis in mice and crescentic glomerulonephritis in rats, in part by decreasing macrophage infiltration. These results establish a regulatory role for BCAT1 in macrophage function with therapeutic implications for inflammatory conditions.
Measuring the olfactory bulb input-output transformation reveals a contribution to the perception of odorant concentration invariance
Authors: Storace Douglas A. , Cohen Lawrence B.
Published: July 2017

Humans and other animals can recognize an odorant as the same over a range of odorant concentrations. It remains unclear whether the olfactory bulb, the brain structure that mediates the first stage of olfactory information processing, participates in generating this perceptual concentration invariance. Olfactory bulb glomeruli are regions of neuropil that contain input and output processes: olfactory receptor neuron nerve terminals (input) and mitral/tufted cell apical dendrites (output). Differences between the input and output of a brain region define the function(s) carried out by that region. Here we compare the activity signals from the input and output across a range of odorant concentrations. The output maps maintain a relatively stable representation of odor identity over the tested concentration range, even though the input maps and signals change markedly. These results provide direct evidence that the mammalian olfactory bulb likely participates in generating the perception of concentration invariance of odor quality.
Impact of interfacial molecular orientation on radiative recombination and charge generation efficiency
Authors: Ran Niva A. , Roland Steffen , Love John A. , Savikhin Victoria , Takacs Christopher J. , Fu Yao-Tsung , Li Hong , Coropceanu Veaceslav , Liu Xiaofeng , Brédas Jean-Luc , Bazan Guillermo C. , Toney Michael F. , Neher Dieter , Nguyen Thuc-Quyen
Published: July 2017

A long standing question in organic electronics concerns the effects of molecular orientation at donor/acceptor heterojunctions. Given a well-controlled donor/acceptor bilayer system, we uncover the genuine effects of molecular orientation on charge generation and recombination. These effects are studied through the point of view of photovoltaics—however, the results have important implications on the operation of all optoelectronic devices with donor/acceptor interfaces, such as light emitting diodes and photodetectors. Our findings can be summarized by two points. First, devices with donor molecules face-on to the acceptor interface have a higher charge transfer state energy and less non-radiative recombination, resulting in larger open-circuit voltages and higher radiative efficiencies. Second, devices with donor molecules edge-on to the acceptor interface are more efficient at charge generation, attributed to smaller electronic coupling between the charge transfer states and the ground state, and lower activation energy for charge generation.
Exploring the perspectives of clinical professionals and support staff on implementing supported self-management for asthma in UK general practice: an IMP2ART qualitative study
Authors: Morrow Susan , Daines Luke , Wiener-Ogilvie Sharon , Steed Liz , McKee Lorna , Caress Ann-Louise , Taylor Stephanie J. C. , Pinnock Hilary
Published: July 2017

Despite an overwhelming evidence base, supported self-management of asthma is poorly implemented into routine practice. Strategies for implementation must address organisational routines, as well as provide resources for patients and training to improve professionals’ skills. We aimed to explore the priority that primary care practices attach to asthma self-management, to describe their existing asthma management routines, and to generate innovative implementation strategies. We recruited 33 participants (23 general practitioners; seven nurses; three administrative staff) from 14 general practices. The 12 interviews and three focus groups were transcribed, coded and analysed thematically. Supported self-management was largely a nurse-led task within clinic-based annual reviews. Barriers included poor attendance at asthma clinics, lack of time, demarcation of roles, limited access to a range of tailored resources, and competing agendas in consultation, often due to multimorbidity. Suggestions for initiatives to improve the provision of supported self-management included emphasising the evidence for benefit (to influence prioritisation), improving teamwork (including team-based education), organisational strategies (including remote consulting) which need to fit within existing practice routines. Technology offers some potential solutions (e.g., improved templates, ‘app’-based plans), but must be integrated with the practice information technology systems. Building on these insights, we will now develop a theoretically-based implementation strategy that will address patient, professional, and organisational buy-in, provide team-based education and offer a range of practical options and tools, which can be adapted and integrated within existing routines of individual practices.
Overexpression of SlPRE2, an atypical bHLH transcription factor, affects plant morphology and fruit pigment accumulation in tomato
Authors: Zhu Zhiguo , Chen Guoping , Guo Xuhu , Yin Wencheng , Yu Xiaohui , Hu Jingtao , Hu Zongli
Published: July 2017

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins are a large family of transcription factors that control various developmental processes in eukaryotes, but the biological roles of most bHLH proteins are not very clear, especially in tomato. In this study, a PRE-like atypical bHLH gene was isolated and designated as SlPRE2 in tomato. SlPRE2 was highly expressed in immature-green fruits, moderately in young leaves, flowers, and mature-green fruits. To further research the function of SlPRE2, a 35 S:PRE2 binary vector was constructed and transformed into wild type tomato. The transgenic plants showed increased leaf angle and stem internode length, rolling leaves with decreased chlorophyll content. The water loss rate of detached leaves was increased in young transgenic lines but depressed in mature leaves. Besides, overexpression of SlPRE2 promoted morphogenesis in seedling development, producing light-green unripening fruits and yellowing ripen fruits with reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid accumulation in pericarps, respectively. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that expression of the chlorophyll related genes, such as GOLDEN 2-LIKE and RbcS, were decreased in unripening 35 
S:PRE2 fruit, and carotenoid biosynthesis-related genes PHYTOENE SYNTHASE1A and ζ-CAROTENE DESATURASE in ripening fruit were also down-regulated. These results suggest that SlPRE2 affects plant morphology and is a negative regulator of fruit pigment accumulation.
A Quasi-direct LC-MS/MS-based Targeted Proteomics Approach for miRNA Quantification via a Covalently Immobilized DNA-peptide Probe
Authors: Liu Liang , Xu Qingqing , Hao Shuai , Chen Yun
Published: July 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in regulating gene expression and are associated with a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. Their distorted and unique expression is a potential marker in clinical diagnoses and prognoses. Thus, accurate determination of miRNA expression levels is a prerequisite for their applications. However, the assays currently available for miRNA detection typically require pre-enrichment, amplification and labeling steps, and most of the assays are only semi-quantitative. Therefore, we developed a quasi-direct liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based targeted proteomics approach to quantify target miRNA by innovatively converting the miRNA signal into the mass response of a reporter peptide via a covalently immobilized DNA-peptide probe. Specifically, the probe containing the targeted proteomics-selected substrate/reporter peptide, GDRAVQLGVDPFR/AVQLGVDPFR, and the DNA sequence complementary to the target miRNA (i.e., miR-21) was first immobilized on APMTS modified silica nanoparticles using PDITC. After the immobilized probe was recognized and hybridized with the target miRNA, the excess probe was degraded using MBN and followed by a trypsin digestion of the hybrids. The reporter peptide was released and quantified using LC-MS/MS. The obtained LOQ was 5 pM. Finally, the developed assay was used for the quantitative analysis of miR-21 in breast cells and tissue samples.
Aging and rejuvenation of active matter under topological constraints
Authors: Janssen Liesbeth M. C. , Kaiser Andreas , Löwen Hartmut
Published: July 2017

The coupling of active, self-motile particles to topological constraints can give rise to novel non-equilibrium dynamical patterns that lack any passive counterpart. Here we study the behavior of self-propelled rods confined to a compact spherical manifold by means of Brownian dynamics simulations. We establish the state diagram and find that short active rods at sufficiently high density exhibit a glass transition toward a disordered state characterized by persistent self-spinning motion. By periodically melting and revitrifying the spherical spinning glass, we observe clear signatures of time-dependent aging and rejuvenation physics. We quantify the crucial role of activity in these non-equilibrium processes, and rationalize the aging dynamics in terms of an absorbing-state transition toward a more stable active glassy state. Our results demonstrate both how concepts of passive glass phenomenology can carry over into the realm of active matter, and how topology can enrich the collective spatiotemporal dynamics in inherently non-equilibrium systems.
Rapid Bayesian optimisation for synthesis of short polymer fiber materials
Authors: Li Cheng , Rubín de Celis Leal David , Rana Santu , Gupta Sunil , Sutti Alessandra , Greenhill Stewart , Slezak Teo , Height Murray , Venkatesh Svetha
Published: July 2017

The discovery of processes for the synthesis of new materials involves many decisions about process design, operation, and material properties. Experimentation is crucial but as complexity increases, exploration of variables can become impractical using traditional combinatorial approaches. We describe an iterative method which uses machine learning to optimise process development, incorporating multiple qualitative and quantitative objectives. We demonstrate the method with a novel fluid processing platform for synthesis of short polymer fibers, and show how the synthesis process can be efficiently directed to achieve material and process objectives.
Energy Dissipation Pathways in Few-Layer MoS2 Nanoelectromechanical Systems
Authors: Matis Bernard R. , Houston Brian H. , Baldwin Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2017

Free standing, atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides are a new class of ultralightweight nanoelectromechanical systems with potentially game-changing electro- and opto-mechanical properties, however, the energy dissipation pathways that fundamentally limit the performance of these systems is still poorly understood. Here, we identify the dominant energy dissipation pathways in few-layer MoS2 nanoelectromechanical systems. The low temperature quality factors and resonant frequencies are shown to significantly decrease upon heating to 293 K, and we find the temperature dependence of the energy dissipation can be explained when accounting for both intrinsic and extrinsic damping sources. A transition in the dominant dissipation pathways occurs at T ~ 110 K with relatively larger contributions from phonon-phonon and electrostatic interactions for T > 110 K and larger contributions from clamping losses for T < 110 K. We further demonstrate a room temperature thermomechanical-noise-limited force sensitivity of ~8 fN/Hz1/2 that, despite multiple dissipation pathways, remains effectively constant over the course of more than four years. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms limiting the performance of nanoelectromechanical systems derived from few-layer materials, which is vital to the development of next-generation force and mass sensors.
Increased Male-Male Mounting Behaviour in Desert Locusts during Infection with an Entomopathogenic Fungus
Authors: Clancy Lisa M. , Cooper Amy L. , Griffith Gareth W. , Santer Roger D.
Published: July 2017

Same-sex sexual behaviour occurs across diverse animal taxa, but adaptive explanations can be difficult to determine. Here we investigate male-male mounting (MMM) behaviour in female-deprived desert locust males infected with the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum. Over a four-week period, infected locusts performed more MMM behaviours than healthy controls. Among infected locusts, the probability of MMM, and the duration of time spent MMM, significantly increased with the mounting locust’s proximity to death. In experimental trials, infected locusts were also significantly more likely than controls to attempt to mount healthy males. Therefore, we demonstrate that MMM is more frequent among infected than healthy male locusts, and propose that this may be explained by terminal reproductive effort and a lowered mate acceptance threshold in infected males. However, during experimental trials mounting attempts were more likely to be successful if the mounted locusts were experimentally manipulated to have a reduced capacity to escape. Thus, reduced escape capability resulting from infection may also contribute to the higher frequency of MMM among infected male locusts. Our data demonstrate that pathogen infection can affect same-sex sexual behaviour, and suggest that the impact of such behaviours on host and pathogen fitness will be a novel focus for future research.
Fast atom transport and launching in a nonrigid trap
Authors: Tobalina A. , Palmero M. , Martínez-Garaot S. , Muga J. G.
Published: July 2017

We study the shuttling of an atom in a trap with controllable position and frequency. Using invariant-based inverse engineering, protocols in which the trap is simultaneously displaced and expanded are proposed to speed up transport between stationary trap locations as well as launching processes with narrow final-velocity distributions. Depending on the physical constraints imposed, either simultaneous or sequential approaches may be faster. We consider first a perfectly harmonic trap, and then extend the treatment to generic traps. Finally, we apply this general framework to a double-well potential to separate different motional states with different launching velocities.
Metformin ameliorates the Phenotype Transition of Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells and Peritoneal Fibrosis via a modulation of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Shin Hyun-Soo , Ko Jiyeon , Kim Dal-Ah , Ryu Eun-Sun , Ryu Hye-Myung , Park Sun-Hee , Kim Yong-Lim , Oh Eok-Soo , Kang Duk-Hee
Published: July 2017

Phenotype transition of peritoneum is an early mechanism of peritoneal fibrosis. Metformin, 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, has recently received a new attention due to its preventive effect on organ fibrosis and cancer metastasis by inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We investigated the effect of metformin on EMT of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) and animal model of peritoneal dialysis (PD). TGF-β1-induced EMT in HPMC was ameliorated by metformin. Metformin alleviated NAPDH oxidase- and mitochondria-mediated ROS production with an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and SOD2 expression. Metformin inhibited the activation of Smad2/3 and MAPK, GSK-3β phosphorylation, nuclear translocalization of β-catenin and Snail in HPMCs. Effect of metformin on TGF-β1-induced EMT was ameliorated by either AMPK inhibitor or AMPK gene silencing. Another AMPK agonist, 5-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-imidazole-4-carboxamide partially blocked TGF-β1-induced EMT. In animal model of PD, intraperitoneal metformin decreased the peritoneal thickness and EMT with an increase in ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione and the expression of SOD whereas it decreased the expression of nitrotyrosine and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine. Therefore, a modulation of AMPK in peritoneum can be a novel tool to prevent peritoneal fibrosis by providing a favorable oxidant/anti-oxidant milieu in peritoneal cavity and ameliorating phenotype transition of peritoneal mesothelial cells.
The glycointeractome of serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis strain MC58
Authors: Mubaiwa Tsitsi D. , Hartley-Tassell Lauren E. , Semchenko Evgeny A. , Jen Freda. E.-C. , Srikhanta Yogitha N. , Day Christopher J. , Jennings Michael P. , Seib Kate L.
Published: July 2017

Neisseria meningitidis express numerous virulence factors that enable it to interact with diverse microenvironments within the host, during both asymptomatic nasopharyngeal colonization and invasive disease. Many of these interactions involve bacterial or host glycans. In order to characterise the meningococcal glycointeractome, glycan arrays representative of structures found on human cells, were used as a screening tool to investigate host glycans bound by N. meningitidis. Arrays probed with fluorescently labelled wild-type MC58 revealed binding to 223 glycans, including blood group antigens, mucins, gangliosides and glycosaminoglycans. Mutant strains lacking surface components, including capsule, lipooligosaccharide (LOS), Opc and pili, were investigated to identify the factors responsible for glycan binding. Surface plasmon resonance and isothermal calorimetry were used to confirm binding and determine affinities between surface components and host glycans. We observed that the L3 LOS immunotype (whole cells and purified LOS) bound 26 structures, while L8 only bound 5 structures. We further demonstrated a direct glycan-glycan interaction between purified L3 LOS and Thomsen–Friedenreich (TF) antigen, with a KD of 13 nM. This is the highest affinity glycan-glycan interaction reported to date. These findings highlight the diverse glycointeractions that may occur during different stages of meningococcal disease, which could be exploited for development of novel preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Concentration-Dependent Binding of Small Ligands to Multiple Saturable Sites in Membrane Proteins
Authors: Stock Letícia , Hosoume Juliana , Treptow Werner
Published: July 2017

Membrane proteins are primary targets for most therapeutic indications in cancer and neurological diseases, binding over 50% of all known small molecule drugs. Understanding how such ligands impact membrane proteins requires knowledge on the molecular structure of ligand binding, a reasoning that has driven relentless efforts in drug discovery and translational research. Binding of small ligands appears however highly complex involving interaction to multiple transmembrane protein sites featuring single or multiple occupancy states. Within this scenario, looking for new developments in the field, we investigate the concentration-dependent binding of ligands to multiple saturable sites in membrane proteins. The study relying on docking and free-energy perturbation provides us with an extensive description of the probability density of protein-ligand states that allows for computation of thermodynamic properties of interest. It also provides one- and three-dimensional spatial descriptions for the ligand density across the protein-membrane system which can be of interest for structural purposes. Illustration and discussion of the results are shown for binding of the general anesthetic sevoflurane against Kv1.2, a mammalian ion channel for which experimental data are available.
Biofilm formation in enterococci: genotype-phenotype correlations and inhibition by vancomycin
Authors: Hashem Yomna A. , Amin Heba M. , Essam Tamer M. , Yassin Aymen S. , Aziz Ramy K.
Published: July 2017

Enterococci are nosocomial pathogens that can form biofilms, which contribute to their virulence and antibiotic resistance. Although many genes involved in biofilm formation have been defined, their distribution among enterococci has not been comprehensively studied on a genome scale, and their diagnostic ability to predict biofilm phenotypes is not fully established. Here, we assessed the biofilm-forming ability of 90 enterococcal clinical isolates. Major patterns of virulence gene distribution in enterococcal genomes were identified, and the differentiating virulence genes were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 31 of the clinical isolates. We found that detection of gelE in Enterococcus faecalis is not sufficient to predict gelatinase activity unless fsrAB, or fsrB alone, is PCR-positive (P = 0.0026 and 0.0012, respectively). We also found that agg is significantly enriched in isolates with medium and strong biofilm formation ability (P = 0.0026). Additionally, vancomycin, applied at sub minimal inhibitory concentrations, inhibited biofilm in four out of five strong biofilm-forming isolates. In conclusion, we suggest using agg and fsrB genes, together with the previously established gelE, for better prediction of biofilm strength and gelatinase activity, respectively. Future studies should explore the mechanism of biofilm inhibition by vancomycin and its possible use for antivirulence therapy.
Competition between Superconductor – Ferromagnetic stray magnetic fields in YBa2Cu3O7−x films pierced with Co nano-rods
Authors: Rouco V. , Córdoba R. , De Teresa J. M. , Rodríguez L. A. , Navau C. , Del-Valle N. , Via G. , Sánchez A. , Monton C. , Kronast F. , Obradors X. , Puig T. , Palau A.
Published: July 2017

Superconductivity and ferromagnetism are two antagonistic phenomena that combined can lead to a rich phenomenology of interactions, resulting in novel physical properties and unique functionalities. Here we propose an original hybrid system formed by a high-temperature superconducting film, patterned with antidots, and with ferromagnetic nano-rods grown inside them. This particular structure exhibits the synergic influence of superconductor (SC) - ferromagnetic (FM) stray fields, in both the superconducting behaviour of the film and the three-dimensional (3D) magnetic structure of nano-rods. We show that FM stray fields directly influence the critical current density of the superconducting film. Additional functionalities appear due to the interaction of SC stray fields, associated to supercurrent loops, with the non-trivial 3D remanent magnetic structure of FM nano-rods. This work unravels the importance of addressing quantitatively the effect of stray magnetic fields from both, the superconductor and the ferromagnet in hybrid magnetic nano-devices based on high temperature superconductors.
Trail (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) induces an inflammatory response in human adipocytes
Authors: Zoller Verena , Funcke Jan-Bernd , Roos Julian , Dahlhaus Meike , Abd El Hay Muad , Holzmann Karlheinz , Marienfeld Ralf , Kietzmann Thomas , Debatin Klaus-Michael , Wabitsch Martin , Fischer-Posovszky Pamela
Published: July 2017

High serum concentrations of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the tumor necrosis factor protein family, are found in patients with increased BMI and serum lipid levels. In a model of murine obesity, both the expression of TRAIL and its receptor (TRAIL-R) is elevated in adipose tissue. Accordingly, TRAIL has been proposed as an important mediator of adipose tissue inflammation and obesity-associated diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate if TRAIL regulates inflammatory processes at the level of the adipocyte. Using human Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) cells as a model system, we found that TRAIL induces an inflammatory response in both preadipocytes and adipocytes. It stimulates the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8) as well as the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and chemokine C-C motif ligand 20 (CCL-20) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. By using small molecule inhibitors, we found that both the NFκB and the ERK1/2 pathway are crucial for mediating the effect of TRAIL. Taken together, we identified a novel pro-inflammatory function of TRAIL in human adipocytes. Our findings suggest that targeting the TRAIL/TRAIL-R system might be a useful strategy to tackle obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation.
Acquisition of terrestrial life by human ancestors influenced by forest microclimate
Authors: Takemoto Hiroyuki
Published: July 2017

Bipedalism, terrestriality and open habitat were thought to be linked to each other in the course of human evolution. However, recent paleontological evidence has revealed that early hominins evolved in a wooded, humid environment. Did the evolutionary process from arboreal to terrestrial life actually require open habitat? Here I report the seasonal change in forest utilization height of West African chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and central African bonobos (Pan paniscus), and show that the difference in terrestriality between these two species was mainly caused by ambient temperature differences between the two study sites. The key factor was the vertical structure of the microclimate in forests and its seasonality. The results suggest the possibility that human terrestrial life began inside a forest rather than in the savannah. Increasing seasonality and prolongation of the dry months throughout the late Miocene epoch alone could have promoted terrestrial life of our human ancestors.
Effect of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling on neuropathic pain after chronic compression of dorsal root ganglion
Authors: Yu Yang , Huang Xini , Di Yuwei , Qu Lintao , Fan Ni
Published: July 2017

Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain state that often accompanies tissue damage, inflammation or injury of the nervous system. However the underlying molecular mechanisms still remain unclear. Here, we showed that CXCL12 and CXCR4 were upregulated in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) after chronic compression of DRG (CCD), and some CXCR4 immunopositive neurons were also immunopositive for the nociceptive neuronal markers IB4, TRPV1, CGRP, and substance P. The incidence and amplitude of CXCL12-induced Ca2+ response in primary sensory neurons from CCD mice was significantly increased compared to those from control animals. CXCL12 depolarized the resting membrane potential, decreased the rheobase, and increased the number of action potentials evoked by a depolarizing current at 2X rheobase in neurons from CCD mice. The mechanical and thermal hypernociception after CCD was attenuated by administration of a CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100. These findings suggest that CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling contributes to hypernociception after CCD, and targeting CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway may alleviate neuropathic pain.
A new Prenylated Flavonoid induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis through p38/JNK MAPK pathways in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Di , Sun Qian , Wu Jie , Wang Wei , Yao Guodong , Li Tianyang , Li Xue , Li Lingzhi , Zhang Yan , Cui Wei , Song Shaojiang
Published: July 2017

Prenylated flavonoids have been demonstrated to possess diverse bioactivities including antitumor effects. One new, daphnegiravone D (1), and four known (2–5) prenylated flavonoids were isolated from Daphne giraldii. Their cytotoxic activities revealed that daphnegiravone D markedly inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells, but had no apparent cytotoxicity on human normal cells. Mechanistically, daphnegiravone D induced G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis, reduced the expression of cyclin E1, CDK2 and CDK4, and promoted the cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP in Hep3B and HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, daphnegiravone D increased the level of phosphorylated p38 and attenuated phosphorylated JNK. Further studies indicated that SB203580 partially reversed daphnegiravone D-induced G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis. The addition of SP600125 to both cell lines increased the cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP, but did not affect the G0/G1 arrest. Besides, in vivo studies demonstrated that daphnegiravone D obviously inhibited tumor growth in a nude mouse xenograft model through suppressing the proliferation of tumor cells, without significant effect on body weight or pathology characteristics. Taken together, the new compound selectively inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma cells via p38 and JNK MAPK pathways, suggesting its potential as a novel natural anti-hepatocellular carcinoma agent.
Adhesion of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite-infected vehicle leukocytes to capillary endothelial cells triggers timely parasite egression
Authors: Baba Minami , Batanova Tatiana , Kitoh Katsuya , Takashima Yasuhiro
Published: July 2017

Intracellular pathogens have numerous strategies for effective dissemination within the host. Many intracellular pathogens first infect leukocytes, which they use as a vehicle to transport them to target organs. Once at the target organ, intracellular parasiteToxoplasma gondiican cross the capillary wall in extracellular form by infecting endothelial cells. However, after egression from leukocytes, extracellular parasites face the risk of host immune attack. In this study, observation of infected mouse organs, using a method that renders tissue transparent, revealed that adhesion of tachyzoite-infected leukocytes to endothelial cells triggers immediate egression of the parasite. This signal enables the parasite to time egression from its vehicle leukocyte to coincide with arrival at a target organ, minimizing the opportunity for immune attack during the transition from a vehicle leukocyte to capillary endothelial cells.
Silicon nanocrystal-based photonic crystal slabs with broadband and efficient directional light emission
Authors: Ondič L. , Varga M. , Pelant I. , Valenta J. , Kromka A. , Elliman R. G.
Published: July 2017

Light extraction from a thin planar layer can be increased by introducing a two-dimensional periodic pattern on its surface. This structure, the so-called photonic crystal (PhC) slab, then not only enhances the extraction efficiency of light but can direct the extracted emission into desired angles. Careful design of the structures is important in order to have a spectral overlap of the emission with extraction (leaky) modes. We show that by fabricating PhC slabs with optimized dimensions from silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) active layers, the extraction efficiency of vertical light emission from SiNCs at a particular wavelength can be enhanced ∼ 11 times compared to that of uncorrugated SiNCs-rich layer. More importantly, increased light emission can be obtained in a broad spectral range and, simultaneously, the extracted light can stay confined within relatively narrow angle around the normal to the sample plane. We demonstrate experimentally and theoretically that the physical origin of the enhancement is such that light originating from SiNCs first couples to leaky modes of the PhCs and is then efficiently extracted into the surrounding.
Local structure of liquid gallium under pressure
Authors: Li Renfeng , Wang Luhong , Li Liangliang , Yu Tony , Zhao Haiyan , Chapman Karena W. , Wang Yanbin , Rivers Mark L. , Chupas Peter J. , Mao Ho-kwang , Liu Haozhe
Published: July 2017

In situ high energy X-ray pair distribution function (PDF) measurements, microtomography and reverse Monte Carlo simulations were used to characterize the local structure of liquid gallium up to 1.9 GPa. This pressure range includes the well-known solid-solid phase transition from Ga-I to Ga-II at low temperature. In term of previous research, the local structure of liquid gallium within this domain was suggested a mixture of two local structures, Ga I and Ga II, based on fitting experimental PDF to known crystal structure, with a controversy. However, our result shows a distinctly different result that the local structure of liquid gallium resembles the atomic arrangement of both gallium phase II and III (the high pressure crystalline phase). A melting mechanism is proposed for Ga, in which the atomic structure of phase Ι breaks up at the onset of melting, providing sufficient free volume for atoms to rearrange, to form the melt.
The natural Disc1-deletion present in several inbred mouse strains does not affect sleep
Authors: Dittrich Lars , Petese Alessandro , Jackson Walker S.
Published: July 2017

The gene Disrupted in Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) is linked to a range of psychiatric disorders. Two recent transgenic studies suggest DISC1 is also involved in homeostatic sleep regulation. Several strains of inbred mice commonly used for genome manipulation experiments, including several Swiss and likely all 129 substrains, carry a natural deletion mutation of Disc1. This constitutes a potential confound for studying sleep in genetically modified mice. Since disturbed sleep can also influence psychiatric and neurodegenerative disease models, this putative confound might affect a wide range of studies in several fields. Therefore, we asked to what extent the natural Disc1 deletion affects sleep. To this end, we first compared sleep and electroencephalogram (EEG) phenotypes of 129S4 mice carrying the Disc1 deletion and C57BL/6N mice carrying the full-length version. We then bred Disc1 from C57BL/6N into the 129S4 background, resulting in S4-Disc1 mice. The differences between 129S4 and C57BL/6N were not detected in the 129S4 to S4-Disc1 comparison. We conclude that the mutation has no effect on the measured sleep and EEG characteristics. Thus, it is unlikely the widespread Disc1 deletion has led to spurious results in previous sleep studies or that it alters sleep in mouse models of psychiatric or neurodegenerative diseases.
Top-down Fabrication and Enhanced Active Area Electronic Characteristics of Amorphous Oxide Nanoribbons for Flexible Electronics
Authors: Jang Hyun-June , Joong Lee Ki , Jo Kwang-Won , Katz Howard E. , Cho Won-Ju , Shin Yong-Beom
Published: July 2017

Inorganic amorphous oxide semiconductor (AOS) materials such as amorphous InGaZnO (a-IGZO) possess mechanical flexibility and outstanding electrical properties, and have generated great interest for use in flexible and transparent electronic devices. In the past, however, AOS devices required higher activation energies, and hence higher processing temperatures, than organic ones to neutralize defects. It is well known that one-dimensional nanowires tend to have better carrier mobility and mechanical strength along with fewer defects than the corresponding two-dimensional films, but until now it has been difficult, costly, and impractical to fabricate such nanowires in proper alignments by either “bottom-up” growth techniques or by “top-down” e-beam lithography. Here we show a top-down, cost-effective, and scalable approach for the fabrication of parallel, laterally oriented AOS nanoribbons based on lift-off and nano-imprinting. High mobility (132 cm2/Vs), electrical stability, and transparency are obtained in a-IGZO nanoribbons, compared to the planar films of the same a-IGZO semiconductor.
Highly Efficient Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensor Based on CuO Modified Vertically-Grown ZnO Nanorods on Electrode
Authors: Ahmad Rafiq , Tripathy Nirmalya , Ahn Min-Sang , Bhat Kiesar Sideeq , Mahmoudi Tahmineh , Wang Yousheng , Yoo Jin-Young , Kwon Dae-Wook , Yang Hwa-Young , Hahn Yoon-Bong
Published: July 2017

There is a major challenge to attach nanostructures on to the electrode surface while retaining their engineered morphology, high surface area, physiochemical features for promising sensing applications. In this study, we have grown vertically-aligned ZnO nanorods (NRs) on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) electrodes and decorated with CuO to achieve high-performance non-enzymatic glucose sensor. This unique CuO-ZnO NRs hybrid provides large surface area and an easy substrate penetrable structure facilitating enhanced electrochemical features towards glucose oxidation. As a result, fabricated electrodes exhibit high sensitivity (2961.7 μA mM−1 cm−2), linear range up to 8.45 mM, low limit of detection (0.40 μM), and short response time (<2 s), along with excellent reproducibility, repeatability, stability, selectivity, and applicability for glucose detection in human serum samples. Circumventing, the outstanding performance originating from CuO modified ZnO NRs acts as an efficient electrocatalyst for glucose detection and as well, provides new prospects to biomolecules detecting device fabrication.
Balance training improves memory and spatial cognition in healthy adults
Authors: Rogge Ann-Kathrin , Röder Brigitte , Zech Astrid , Nagel Volker , Hollander Karsten , Braumann Klaus-Michael , Hötting Kirsten
Published: July 2017

Physical exercise has been shown to improve cognitive functions. However, it is still unknown which type of exercise affects cognition. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that a demanding balance training program improves memory and spatial cognition. Forty healthy participants aged 19–65 years were randomly assigned to either a balance or relaxation training intervention. Each group exercised twice a week for a total of 12 weeks. Pre- and posttests assessed balance performance, cardiorespiratory fitness, memory, spatial cognition, and executive functions. Only the balance group significantly increased in balance performance from pre- to posttest, while cardiorespiratory fitness remained unchanged in both groups. Moreover, the balance group significantly improved in memory and spatial cognition. Effects on executive functions were not observed. These results suggest that balance training is capable of improving particularly memory and spatial cognition. Therefore, an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness does not seem to be necessary to induce beneficial effects of physical exercise on cognition. It might be speculated that stimulating the vestibular system during balance training induces changes of the hippocampus and parietal cortex possibly via direct pathways between the vestibular system and these brain regions.
iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis reveals alterations in the metabolism of Actinidia arguta
Authors: Lin Miaomiao , Fang Jinbao , Qi Xiujuan , Li Yukuo , Chen Jinyong , Sun Leiming , Zhong Yunpeng
Published: July 2017

Actinidia arguta ‘Tianyuanhong’ is a new kiwifruit variety with an all-red pericarp and pulp, in contrast to the all-green pulp of A. arguta ‘Yongfengyihao’. Transcriptome profile analysis of fruit color has been reported, however, the metabolic mechanisms producing red flesh remain unknown, and it is unclear why the pulp of ‘Tianyuanhong’ is red rather than green. Herein, we identified differences between the proteomes of two A. arguta cultivars with different fruit color by using iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic methods during the stage of color change. In total, 2310 differentially abundant proteins were detected between the two cultivars at 70 and 100 days after flowering, and the protein functions were analyzed based on KEGG and GO. The largest group of differentially expressed proteins were related to photosynthesis, glyoxylate metabolism, N metabolism, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Finally, to verify the iTRAQ data, 12 representative genes encoding differentially expressed proteins were analyzed via quantitative real-time PCR, and these genes differed in transcriptional and translational expression levels. Our proteomic study contributes to understanding the metabolic pathways and biological processes involved in fruit color changes in different cultivars of A. arguta. These data and analyses will provide new insight into the development of kiwifruit flesh color.
Facile Synthesis of MgO-Modified Carbon Adsorbents with Microwave- Assisted Methods: Effect of MgO Particles and Porosities on CO2 Capture
Authors: Heo Young-Jung , Park Soo-Jin
Published: July 2017

In this study, magnesium oxide (MgO)-modified carbon adsorbents were fabricated using a nitrogen-enriched carbon precursor by microwave-assisted irradiation for CO2 capture. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed the characteristic diffraction peaks of MgO at 43° and 62.5°, and no impurities were apparent. By changing the microwave reaction time, the spherical structure of the parent material was transformed to a hybrid structure with MgO crystalline particles in a carbon matrix. The morphology evolution and properties of the prepared materials were also investigated using transmission electron microscopy and N2 adsorption, respectively. On optimising the conditions, the prepared sample attained a high CO2 uptake of 1.22 mmol/g (5.3 wt.%) under flue gas conditions (15% CO2 in N2). It was found that MgO affected the CO2 capture behaviour by enhancing the fundamental characteristics of the carbon surfaces.
The efficacy and safety of sugammadex for reversing postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade in pediatric patients: A systematic review
Authors: Liu Guangyu , Wang Rui , Yan Yanhong , Fan Long , Xue Jixiu , Wang Tianlong
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sugammadex for reversing neuromuscular blockade in pediatric patients. MEDLINE and other three Databases were searched. Randomized clinical trials were included if they compared sugammadex with neostigmine or placebo in pediatric patients undergoing surgery involving the use of rocuronium or vecuronium. The primary outcome was the time interval from administration of reversal agents to train-of-four ratio (TOFr, T4/T1) > 0.9. Incidences of any drug-related adverse events were secondary outcomes. Trial inclusion, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed independently. Mean difference and relative risk were used as summary statistics with random effects models. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by the I2 statistic. Funnel plot was used to detect publication bias. Ten studies with 580 participants were included. Although considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 98.5%) was detected in primary outcome, the results suggested that, compared with placebo or neostigmine, sugammadex can reverse rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade more rapidly with lower incidence of bradycardia. No significant differences were found in the incidences of other adverse events. Compared with neostigmine or placebo, sugammadex may reverse rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in pediatric patients rapidly and safely.
Population variation in the trophic niche of the Trinidadian guppy from different predation regimes
Authors: Zandonà Eugenia , Dalton Christopher M. , El-Sabaawi Rana W. , Howard Jason L. , Marshall Michael C. , Kilham Susan S. , Reznick David N. , Travis Joseph , Kohler Tyler J. , Flecker Alexander S. , Thomas Steven A. , Pringle Catherine M.
Published: July 2017

Population variation in trophic niche is widespread among organisms and is of increasing interest given its role in both speciation and adaptation to changing environments. Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) inhabiting stream reaches with different predation regimes have rapidly evolved divergent life history traits. Here, we investigated the effects of both predation and resource availability on guppy trophic niches by evaluating their gut contents, resource standing stocks, and δ15N and δ13C stable isotopes across five streams during the wet season. We found that guppies from low predation (LP) sites had a consistently higher trophic position and proportion of invertebrates in their guts and assimilate less epilithon than guppies from high predation (HP) sites. Higher trophic position was also associated with lower benthic invertebrate availability. Our results suggest that LP guppies could be more efficient invertebrate consumers, possibly as an evolutionary response to greater intraspecific competition for higher quality food. This may be intensified by seasonality, as wet season conditions can alter resource availability, feeding rates, and the intensity of intraspecific competition. Understanding how guppy diets vary among communities is critical to elucidating the role of niche shifts in mediating the link between environmental change and the evolution of life histories.
Complete chloroplast genome sequences of Lilium: insights into evolutionary dynamics and phylogenetic analyses
Authors: Du Yun-peng , Bi Yu , Yang Feng-ping , Zhang Ming-fang , Chen Xu-qing , Xue Jing , Zhang Xiu-hai
Published: July 2017

Lilium is a large genus that includes approximately 110 species distributed throughout cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The species-level phylogeny of Lilium remains unclear; previous studies have found universal markers but insufficient phylogenetic signals. In this study, we present the use of complete chloroplast genomes to explore the phylogeny of this genus. We sequenced nine Lilium chloroplast genomes and retrieved seven published chloroplast genomes for comparative and phylogenetic analyses. The genomes ranged from 151,655 bp to 153,235 bp in length and had a typical quadripartite structure with a conserved genome arrangement and moderate divergence. A comparison of sixteen Lilium chloroplast genomes revealed ten mutation hotspots. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for any two Lilium chloroplast genomes ranged from 8 to 1,178 and provided robust data for phylogeny. Except for some of the shortest internodes, phylogenetic relationships of the Lilium species inferred from the chloroplast genome obtained high support, indicating that chloroplast genome data will be useful to help resolve the deeper branches of phylogeny.
Low-frequency ultrasound-induced VEGF suppression and synergy with dendritic cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity in murine prostate cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Zhang Wei , Shou Wen-De , Xu Yan-Jun , Bai Wen-Kun , Hu Bing
Published: July 2017

High tumor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels are associated with poor treatment outcomes in prostate cancer (PCa), and immune deficiency in the PCa microenvironment, especially suppression of dendritic cell (DC) proliferation, has been confirmed. In this study, we (1) investigated whether VEGF participates in DC suppression in murine PCa cells (RM-1), (2) down-regulated VEGF expression using low-frequency ultrasound and microbubbles (UM), and (3) further explored any synergistic effect on immunological activation. DCs from the bone marrow of BALB/c mice were stimulated by the addition of cytokines (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4)), and we analyzed their proliferation status via flow cytometric recognition of the surface antigen markers CD11c and CD83. The results demonstrated that co-culture with RM-1 cells markedly inhibited expression of the general marker CD11c and the mature marker CD83; UM weakened this inhibition by down-regulating VEGF expression. T lymphocytes were extracted from murine spleens, and CD4 and CD8a were identified as the biomarkers of activated cells participating in the anti-tumor immune response. When DCs, T lymphocytes and RM-1 cells were co-cultured, cell migration and invasion assays and cytoactive detection showed that UM could not only directly suppress PCa cell evolution but also promote activation of anti-tumor immunocytes in the VEGF-inhibited microenvironment.