bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomic and Proteomic Analysis of Maize Embryonic Callus induced from immature embryo
Authors: Ge Fei , Hu Hongmei , Huang Xing , Zhang Yanling , Wang Yanli , Li Zhaoling , Zou Chaoying , Peng Huanwei , Li Lujiang , Gao Shibin , Pan Guangtang , Shen Yaou
Published: April 2017

The low ratio of embryonic callus (EC) induction has inhibited the rapid development of maize genetic engineering. Still, little is known to explain the genotype-dependence of EC induction. Here, we performed a large-scale, quantitative analysis of the maize EC metabolome and proteome at three typical induction stages in two inbred lines with a range of EC induction capabilities. Comparison of the metabolomes and proteomes suggests that the differential molecular responses begin at an early stage of development and continue throughout the process of EC formation. The two inbred lines show different responses under various conditions, such as metal ion binding, cell enlargement, stem cell formation, meristematic activity maintenance, somatic embryogenesis, cell wall synthesis, and hormone signal transduction. Furthermore, the differences in hormone (auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, brassinosteroid and ethylene) synthesis and transduction ability could partially explain the higher EC induction ratio in the inbred line 18-599R. During EC formation, repression of the “histone deacetylase 2 and ERF transcription factors” complex in 18-599R activated the expression of downstream genes, which further promoted EC induction. Together, our data provide new insights into the molecular regulatory mechanism responsible for efficient EC induction in maize.
Spicule formation in calcareous sponges: Coordinated expression of biomineralization genes and spicule-type specific genes
Authors: Voigt Oliver , Adamska Maja , Adamski Marcin , Kittelmann André , Wencker Lukardis , Wörheide Gert
Published: April 2017

The ability to form mineral structures under biological control is widespread among animals. In several species, specific proteins have been shown to be involved in biomineralization, but it is uncertain how they influence the shape of the growing biomineral and the resulting skeleton. Calcareous sponges are the only sponges that form calcitic spicules, which, based on the number of rays (actines) are distinguished in diactines, triactines and tetractines. Each actine is formed by only two cells, called sclerocytes. Little is known about biomineralization proteins in calcareous sponges, other than that specific carbonic anhydrases (CAs) have been identified, and that uncharacterized Asx-rich proteins have been isolated from calcitic spicules. By RNA-Seq and RNA in situ hybridization (ISH), we identified five additional biomineralization genes in Sycon ciliatum: two bicarbonate transporters (BCTs) and three Asx-rich extracellular matrix proteins (ARPs). We show that these biomineralization genes are expressed in a coordinated pattern during spicule formation. Furthermore, two of the ARPs are spicule-type specific for triactines and tetractines (ARP1 or SciTriactinin) or diactines (ARP2 or SciDiactinin). Our results suggest that spicule formation is controlled by defined temporal and spatial expression of spicule-type specific sets of biomineralization genes.
Fast and simple high-capacity quantum cryptography with error detection
Authors: Lai Hong , Luo Ming-Xing , Pieprzyk Josef , Zhang Jun , Pan Lei , Li Shudong , Orgun Mehmet A.
Published: April 2017

Quantum cryptography is commonly used to generate fresh secure keys with quantum signal transmission for instant use between two parties. However, research shows that the relatively low key generation rate hinders its practical use where a symmetric cryptography component consumes the shared key. That is, the security of the symmetric cryptography demands frequent rate of key updates, which leads to a higher consumption of the internal one-time-pad communication bandwidth, since it requires the length of the key to be as long as that of the secret. In order to alleviate these issues, we develop a matrix algorithm for fast and simple high-capacity quantum cryptography. Our scheme can achieve secure private communication with fresh keys generated from Fibonacci- and Lucas- valued orbital angular momentum (OAM) states for the seed to construct recursive Fibonacci and Lucas matrices. Moreover, the proposed matrix algorithm for quantum cryptography can ultimately be simplified to matrix multiplication, which is implemented and optimized in modern computers. Most importantly, considerably information capacity can be improved effectively and efficiently by the recursive property of Fibonacci and Lucas matrices, thereby avoiding the restriction of physical conditions, such as the communication bandwidth.
Knockdown of stem cell regulator Oct4A in ovarian cancer reveals cellular reprogramming associated with key regulators of cytoskeleton-extracellular matrix remodelling
Authors: Samardzija Chantel , Greening David W. , Escalona Ruth , Chen Maoshan , Bilandzic Maree , Luwor Rodney , Kannourakis George , Findlay Jock K. , Ahmed Nuzhat
Published: April 2017

Oct4A is a master regulator of self-renewal and pluripotency in embryonic stem cells. It is a well-established marker for cancer stem cell (CSC) in malignancies. Recently, using a loss of function studies, we have demonstrated key roles for Oct4A in tumor cell survival, metastasis and chemoresistance inin vitroandin vivomodels of ovarian cancer. In an effort to understand the regulatory role of Oct4A in tumor biology, we employed the use of an ovarian cancer shRNA Oct4A knockdown cell line (HEY Oct4A KD) and a global mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic analysis to investigate novel biological targets of Oct4A in HEY samples (cell lysates, secretomes and mouse tumor xenografts). Based on significant differential expression, pathway and protein network analyses, and comprehensive literature search we identified key proteins involved with biologically relevant functions of Oct4A in tumor biology. Across all preparations of HEY Oct4A KD samples significant alterations in protein networks associated with cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix (ECM), proliferation, adhesion, metabolism, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs) and drug resistance was observed. This comprehensive proteomics study for the first time presents the Oct4A associated proteome and expands our understanding on the biological role of this stem cell regulator in carcinomas.
Complete fold annotation of the human proteome using a novel structural feature space
Authors: Middleton Sarah A. , Illuminati Joseph , Kim Junhyong
Published: April 2017

Recognition of protein structural fold is the starting point for many structure prediction tools and protein function inference. Fold prediction is computationally demanding and recognizing novel folds is difficult such that the majority of proteins have not been annotated for fold classification. Here we describe a new machine learning approach using a novel feature space that can be used for accurate recognition of all 1,221 currently known folds and inference of unknown novel folds. We show that our method achieves better than 94% accuracy even when many folds have only one training example. We demonstrate the utility of this method by predicting the folds of 34,330 human protein domains and showing that these predictions can yield useful insights into potential biological function, such as prediction of RNA-binding ability. Our method can be applied to de novo fold prediction of entire proteomes and identify candidate novel fold families.
Male alliance behaviour and mating access varies with habitat in a dolphin social network
Authors: Connor Richard C. , Cioffi William R. , Randić Srđan , Allen Simon J. , Watson-Capps Jana , Krützen Michael
Published: April 2017

Within-species variation in social structure has attracted interest recently because of the potential to explore phenotypic plasticity and, specifically, how demographic and ecological variation influence social structure. Populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) vary in male alliance formation, from no alliances to simple pairs to, in Shark Bay, Western Australia, the most complex nested alliances known outside of humans. Examination of ecological contributions to this variation is complicated by differences among populations in other potentially explanatory traits, such as phylogenetic distance, as well as female reproductive schedules, sexual size dimorphism, and body size. Here, we report our discovery of systematic spatial variation in alliance structure, seasonal movements and access to mates within a single continuous social network in the Shark Bay population. Participation in male trios (versus pairs), the sizes of seasonal range shifts and consortship rates all decrease from north to south along the 50 km length of the study area. The southern habitat, characterised by shallow banks and channels, may be marginal relative to the open northern habitat. The discovery of variation in alliance behaviour along a spatial axis within a single population is unprecedented and demonstrates that alliance complexity has an ecological component.
Myostatin mediates abdominal aortic atherosclerosis progression by inducing vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction and monocyte recruitment
Authors: Verzola D. , Milanesi S. , Bertolotto M. , Garibaldi S. , Villaggio B. , Brunelli C. , Balbi M. , Ameri P. , Montecucco F. , Palombo D. , Ghigliotti G. , Garibotto G. , Lindeman J. H. , Barisione C.
Published: April 2017

Myostatin (Mstn) is a skeletal muscle growth inhibitor involved in metabolic disorders and heart fibrosis. In this study we sought to verify whether Mstn is also operative in atherosclerosis of abdominal aorta. In human specimens, Mstn expression was almost absent in normal vessels, became detectable in the media of non-progressive lesions and increased with the severity of the damage. In progressive atherosclerotic lesions, Mstn was present in the media, neointima, plaque shoulder and in infiltrating macrophages. Mstn co-localized with α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining and with some CD45+ cells, indicating Mstn expression in VSMCs and bloodstream-derived leukocytes. In vitro, Mstn was tested in VSMCs and monocytes. In A7r5 VSMCs, Mstn downregulated proliferation and Smoothelin mRNA, induced cytoskeletal rearrangement, increased migratory rate and MCP-1/CCR2 expression. In monocytes (THP-1 cells and human monocytes), Mstn acted as a chemoattractant and increased the MCP-1-dependent chemotaxis, F-actin, α-SMA, MCP-1 and CCR2 expression; in turn, MCP-1 increased Mstn mRNA. Mstn induced JNK phosphorylation both in VSMCs and monocytes. Our results indicate that Mstn is overexpressed in abdominal aortic wall deterioration, affects VSMCs and monocyte biology and sustains a chronic inflammatory milieu. These findings propose to consider Mstn as a new playmaker in atherosclerosis progression.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography to Estimate Retinal Blood Flow in Eyes with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Sugahara Masako , Miyata Manabu , Ishihara Kenji , Gotoh Norimoto , Morooka Satoshi , Ogino Ken , Hasegawa Tomoko , Hirashima Takako , Yoshikawa Munemitsu , Hata Masayuki , Muraoka Yuki , Ooto Sotaro , Yamashiro Kenji , Yoshimura Nagahisa
Published: April 2017

Ophthalmologists sometimes face difficulties in identifying the origin of visual acuity (VA) loss in a retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patient, particularly before cataract surgery: cataract or the retinal disease state. Therefore, it is important to identify the significant factors correlating with VA. Nowadays, retinal blood flow in superficial and deep layers can be estimated non-invasively using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). We estimated blood flow per retinal layer by using OCTA; investigated the correlation between VA and other parameters including blood flow and retinal thickness; and identified the most associated factor with VA in patients with RP. OCTA images in 68 of consecutive 110 Japanese RP patients were analysable (analysable RP group). Thirty-two age- and axial length-matched healthy eyes (control group) were studied. In the analysable RP group, the parafoveal flow density in superficial and deep layers was 47.0 ± 4.9% and 52.4 ± 5.5%, respectively, which was significantly lower than that in controls. Using multivariate analysis, we found that the parafoveal flow density in the deep layer and superficial foveal avascular area were the factors associated with VA. Non-invasive estimation of retinal blood flow per retinal layer using OCTA is useful for predicting VA in RP patients.
Mucosal IgA and IFN-γ+ CD8 T cell immunity are important in the efficacy of live Salmonella enteria serovar Choleraesuis vaccines
Authors: Zhu Liangquan , Zhao Xinxin , Yin Qing , Liu Xianyong , Chen Xiang , Huang Chunjuan , Suo Xun
Published: April 2017

Salmonellosis, a disease caused by non-typhoidalSalmonellastrains which can be transmitted from swine to humans, is one of the leading public health problems around the world. Paratyphoid of swine is controlled by vaccinating swine withSalmonella entericaserovar Choleraesuis (S.Choleraesuis) live vaccine strain C500 in China. Although the vaccine has good prophylactic efficacy, the mechanism of immunogenicity is unclear. Using a C500-derived paratyphoid thermo-stable live vaccine (PTSL vaccine), we demonstrated that the PTSL vaccine induces strong primary and memory immune responses in piglets. Mucosal IgA and IFN-γ+/CD8+T cells induced by the PTSL vaccine play key roles in the protection of the host fromSalmonellainfection. Our findings have important implications on the development of new and improved vaccines against salmonellosis and using live-attenuatedSalmonellaas vaccine carriers.
Cortistatin reduces atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic ApoE-deficient mice and the formation of foam cells
Authors: Delgado-Maroto Virginia , Benitez Raquel , Forte-Lago Irene , Morell Maria , Maganto-Garcia Elena , Souza-Moreira Luciana , O’Valle Francisco , Duran-Prado Mario , Lichtman Andrew H. , Gonzalez-Rey Elena , Delgado Mario
Published: April 2017

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory cardiovascular disease that is responsible of high mortality worldwide. Evidence indicates that maladaptive autoimmune responses in the arterial wall play critical roles in the process of atherosclerosis. Cortistatin is a neuropeptide expressed in the vascular system and atherosclerotic plaques that regulates vascular calcification and neointimal formation, and inhibits inflammation in different experimental models of autoimmune diseases. Its role in inflammatory cardiovascular disorders is largely unexplored. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of cortistatin in two well-established preclinical models of atherosclerosis, and the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. Systemic treatment with cortistatin reduced the number and size of atherosclerotic plaques in carotid artery, heart, aortic arch and aorta in acute and chronic atherosclerosis induced in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed a high-lipid diet. This effect was exerted at multiple levels. Cortistatin reduced Th1/Th17-driven inflammatory responses and increased regulatory T cells in atherosclerotic arteries and lymphoid organs. Moreover, cortistatin reduced the capacity of endothelial cells to bind and recruit immune cells to the plaque and impaired the formation of foam cells by enhancing cholesterol efflux from macrophages. Cortistatin emerges as a new candidate for the treatment of the clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis.
Emergence of a coherent and cohesive swarm based on mutual anticipation
Authors: Murakami Hisashi , Niizato Takayuki , Gunji Yukio-Pegio
Published: April 2017

Collective behavior emerging out of self-organization is one of the most striking properties of an animal group. Typically, it is hypothesized that each individual in an animal group tends to align its direction of motion with those of its neighbors. Most previous models for collective behavior assume an explicit alignment rule, by which an agent matches its velocity with that of neighbors in a certain neighborhood, to reproduce a collective order pattern by simple interactions. Recent empirical studies, however, suggest that there is no evidence for explicit matching of velocity, and that collective polarization arises from interactions other than those that follow the explicit alignment rule. We here propose a new lattice-based computational model that does not incorporate the explicit alignment rule but is based instead on mutual anticipation and asynchronous updating. Moreover, we show that this model can realize densely collective motion with high polarity. Furthermore, we focus on the behavior of a pair of individuals, and find that the turning response is drastically changed depending on the distance between two individuals rather than the relative heading, and is consistent with the empirical observations. Therefore, the present results suggest that our approach provides an alternative model for collective behavior.
HbA1c level cannot predict the treatment outcome of smear-positive non-multi-drug-resistant HIV-negative pulmonary tuberculosis inpatients
Authors: Tashiro Ken , Horita Nobuyuki , Nagai Kenjiro , Ikeda Misako , Shinkai Masaharu , Yamamoto Masaki , Sato Takashi , Hara Yu , Nagakura Hideyuki , Shibata Yuji , Watanabe Hiroki , Nakashima Kentaro , Ushio Ryota , Nagashima Akimichi , Narita Atsuya , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Kudo Makoto , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: April 2017

We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study to evaluate whether the HbA1c level on admission could predict the in-hospital treatment outcome of smear-positive non-multi-drug-resistant HIV-negative culture-proven pulmonary tuberculosis inpatients. Our standard regimens under the direct observation were HRZE or HRE for the first two months followed by combination therapy with isoniazid and rifampicin. Our cohort consisted of consecutive 239 patients consisted of 147 men and 92 women with a median age of 73 years. The HbA1c level of patients whose HbA1c was above 7.0% on admission showed clear declining trends after admission. HbA1c on admission had no Spearman’s rank correlation with time to discharge alive (r = 0.17) and time to becoming non-infective (r = 0.17). By Kaplan-Meier curves and a log-rank trend test, HbA1c quartile subgroups showed no association with times to discharge alive (p = 0.431), becoming non-infective (p = 0.113), and in-hospital death (p = 0.427). Based on multi-variate Cox analysis, HbA1c on admission had no significant impact on time to discharge alive (hazard ratio = 1.03, 95% CI 0.89–1.20, p = 0.659), becoming non-infective (hazard ratio = 0.93, 95% CI 0.80–1.06, p = 0.277), and in-hospital death (hazard ratio = 0.68, 0.43–1.07, p = 0.097). In conclusion, the HbA1c level on admission did not seem to affect in-hospital tuberculosis treatment outcomes in Japanese cohort.
Breathing modes of Kolumbo submarine volcano (Santorini, Greece)
Authors: Bakalis Evangelos , Mertzimekis Theo J. , Nomikou Paraskevi , Zerbetto Francesco
Published: April 2017

Submarine volcanoes, such as Kolumbo (Santorini, Greece) are natural laboratories for fostering multidisciplinary studies. Their investigation requires the most innovative marine technology together with advanced data analysis. Conductivity and temperature of seawater were recorded directly above Kolumbo’s hydrothermal vent system. The respective time series have been analyzed in terms of non–equilibrium techniques. The energy dissipation of the volcanic activity is monitored by the temperature variations of seawater. The venting dynamics of chemical products is monitored by water conductivity. The analysis of the time series in terms of stochastic processes delivers scaling exponents with turning points between consecutive regimes for both conductivity and temperature. Changes of conductivity are shown to behave as a universal multifractal and their variance is subdiffusive as the scaling exponents indicate. Temperature is constant over volcanic rest periods and a universal multifractal behavior describes its changes in line with a subdiffusive character otherwise. The universal multifractal description illustrates the presence of non–conservative conductivity and temperature fields showing that the system never retains a real equilibrium state. The existence of a repeated pattern of the combined effect of both seawater and volcanic activity is predicted. The findings can shed light on the dynamics of chemical products emitted from the vents and point to the presence of underlying mechanisms that govern potentially hazardous, underwater volcanic environments.
Probing the interactions of organic molecules, nanomaterials, and microbes with solid surfaces using quartz crystal microbalances: methodology, advantages, and limitations
Authors: Huang Rixiang , Yi Peng , Tang Yuanzhi
Published: April 2017

An understanding of the working principle, methodology, advantages and limitations of QCMs is important for their accurate use.
A red fluorescent turn-on chemosensor for Al3+based on a dimethoxy triphenylamine benzothiadiazole derivative with aggregation-induced emission
Authors: Lu Niannian , Jiang Tao , Tan Haoqi , Hang Yandi , Yang Ji , Wang Jian , Qu Xue , Hua Jianli
Published: April 2017

A red fluorescent turn-on chemosensor TB-COOH for Al3+was developed. The dye showed excellent AIE and biocompatibility properties, in which imaging detection and real-time monitoring of Al3+in living HeLa cells were successfully achieved.
A highly sensitive and label-free electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for beta 2-microglobulin
Authors: Rizwan Mohammad , Mohd-Naim Noor Faizah , Keasberry Natasha Ann , Ahmed Minhaz Uddin
Published: April 2017

A highly sensitive and label-free electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor was fabricated for the detection of β-2-microglobulin (β2M) based on a gold nanoparticle-doped@carbon nano-onion chitosan nanocomposite modified cadmium selenide quantum dot screen-printed electrode (QDs-SPE/AuNPs@CNOs-CS) for the first time.
A biosensor based on self-clickable AIEgen: a signal amplification strategy for ultrasensitive immunoassays
Authors: Yuan Youyong , Wu Wenbo , Xu Shidang , Liu Bin
Published: April 2017

A signal amplified fluorogenic ELISA based on self-clickable fluorogen with aggregation-induced emission characteristics (AIEgen) as a substrate was developed for ultrasensitive immunoassay.
A highly efficient Cu catalyst system for the radical reactions of α-bromocarbonyls
Authors: Noda Yushi , Nishikata Takashi
Published: April 2017

A Cu/TPMA and diisopropylamine system realized highly efficient atom-transfer radical reactions (substitution and cyclization). A maximum TON of up to 25 000 was achieved.
Low thermal conductivity of monolayer ZnO and its anomalous temperature dependence
Authors: Wang Huimin , Qin Guangzhao , Li Guojian , Wang Qiang , Hu Ming
Published: April 2017

The temperature dependent thermal conductivity of monolayer Zinc Oxide (ZnO) is found largely deviating from the traditional 1/T law.
Thermal mismatch strain induced disorder of Y2Mo3O12 and its effect on thermal expansion of Y2Mo3O12/Al composites
Authors: Zhou Chang , Zhang Qiang , Liu Saiyue , Luo Bingcheng , Yi Eongyu , Tian Enke , Li Guowu , Li Longtu , Wu Gaohui
Published: April 2017

Fully dense Y2Mo3O12/Al composites were prepared by squeeze casting.
The effect of pressure on the crystallization of rapidly supercooled zirconium melts
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Mo Yunfei , Tian Zean , Liu Rangsu , Zhou Lili , Hou Zhaoyang
Published: April 2017

Under pressure, multiple intermediate states can be randomly obtained on the crystallization pathway of rapidly super-cooled Zr melts.
Size and strain tunable band alignment of black–blue phosphorene lateral heterostructures
Authors: Li Yan , Ma Fei
Published: April 2017

A black–blue phosphorene lateral heterostructure shows highly tunable electronic structure and band alignment by size scale and strain engineering.
Dynamics of carbon monoxide dissociation on Co(112̄0)
Authors: Hu Xixi , Zhou Yipeng , Jiang Bin , Guo Hua , Xie Daiqian
Published: April 2017

The dissociative chemisorption dynamics of CO on rigid Co(112̄0) is investigated using a quasi-classical trajectory method on a new global six-dimensional potential energy surface.
Ionic liquids assisted processing of renewable resources for the fabrication of biodegradable composite materials
Authors: Mahmood Hamayoun , Moniruzzaman Muhammad , Yusup Suzana , Welton Tom
Published: April 2017

A review on recent developments in the ionic liquid assisted processing of biopolymers and lignocellulosic materials for the fabrication of biodegradable composites.
Synthesis, duplex-forming ability, enzymatic stability, and in vitro antisense potency of oligonucleotides including 2′-C,4′-C-ethyleneoxy-bridged thymidine derivatives
Authors: Osawa Takashi , Sawamura Motoki , Wada Fumito , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Obika Satoshi , Hari Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2017

Three new EoDNAs were developed, and they and our previously developed methylene-EoDNAs could represent promising candidates for antisense technology.
Combined mechanochemical and thermal treatment of PCBs contaminated soil
Authors: Zhao Zhonghua , Ni Mingjiang , Li Xiaodong , Buekens Alfons , Yan Jianhua
Published: April 2017

This study combines a preliminary mechanochemical treatment and a subsequent thermal desorption for remediating soil, contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
1D vs. 2D shape selectivity in the crystallization-driven self-assembly of polylactide block copolymers
Authors: Inam Maria , Cambridge Graeme , Pitto-Barry Anaïs , Laker Zachary P. L. , Wilson Neil R. , Mathers Robert T. , Dove Andrew P. , O'Reilly Rachel K.
Published: April 2017

Assemblies of polylactide-based amphiphiles in alcohols are shown to give unprecedented shape selectivity based on unimer solubility, leading to the formation of large uniform 2D diamond-shaped platelets, up to several microns in size.
O-GlcNAcylation and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wright JaLessa N. , Collins Helen E. , Wende Adam R. , Chatham John C.
Published: April 2017

The post-translational modification of serine and threonine residues of proteins found in numerous subcellular locations by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is emerging as a key mediator of many cardiovascular pathophysiological processes. Early studies implicated increased protein O-GlcNAcylation as contributing to the cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes, whereas subsequent studies demonstrated that acute increases in O-GlcNAc levels were protective against ischemia/reperfusion injury. There is now a growing understanding that O-GlcNAc modification of proteins influences numerous cellular functions, including transcription, protein turnover, calcium handling, and bioenergetics. As a result, a more nuanced view of the role of protein O-GlcNAcylation in the cardiovascular system is emerging along with the recognition that it is required for normal cellular function and homeostasis. Consequently, the impact of changes in O-GlcNAc cycling due to stress or disease on the heart is complex and highly dependent on the specific context of these events. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of some of the more recent advances in our understanding of the role O-GlcNAcylation plays in mediating cardiovascular function and disease.
STYX: a versatile pseudophosphatase
Authors: Reiterer Veronika , Pawłowski Krzysztof , Farhan Hesso
Published: April 2017

The pseudophosphatase STYX (serine/threonine/tyrosine interacting protein) is a catalytically inactive member of the protein tyrosine phosphatase family. We perform a phylogenetic analysis of STYX and ask how far does the pseudoenzyme status of STYX reaches in evolution. Based on our previous work, we use STYX as a showcase to discuss four basic modes of action that any given pseudoenzyme may exert. Our previous work on the effect of STYX on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling led us to identify two complementary modes of action. On the one hand, STYX competes with active phosphatases for binding to MAPKs. On the other hand, STYX acts as a nuclear anchor for MAPKs, affecting their nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling. Finally, we discuss our recent work on the regulation of FBXW7 by this pseudophosphatase and how it affects the ubiquitylation and degradation of its substrates. We discuss the biological significance of this regulatory mechanism and use it as an example for the versatility of pseudoenzymes that may divert away from merely regulating their active homologs.
Tetraspanins in infections by human cytomegalo- and papillomaviruses
Authors: Fast Laura A. , Lieber Diana , Lang Thorsten , Florin Luise
Published: April 2017

Members of the tetraspanin family have been identified as essential cellular membrane proteins in infectious diseases by nearly all types of pathogens. The present review highlights recently published data on the role of tetraspanin CD151, CD81, and CD63 and their interaction partners in host cell entry by human cytomegalo- and human papillomaviruses. Moreover, we discuss a model for tetraspanin assembly into trafficking platforms at the plasma membrane. These platforms might persist during intracellular viral trafficking.
O-GlcNAcylation and chromatin remodeling in mammals: an up-to-date overview
Authors: Leturcq Maïté , Lefebvre Tony , Vercoutter-Edouart Anne-Sophie
Published: April 2017

Post-translational modifications of histones and the dynamic DNA methylation cycle are finely regulated by a myriad of chromatin-binding factors and chromatin-modifying enzymes. Epigenetic modifications ensure local changes in the architecture of chromatin, thus controlling in fine the accessibility of the machinery of transcription, replication or DNA repair to the chromatin. Over the past decade, the nutrient-sensor enzyme O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) has emerged as a modulator of chromatin remodeling. In mammals, OGT acts either directly through dynamic and reversible O-GlcNAcylation of histones and chromatin effectors, or in an indirect manner through its recruitment into chromatin-bound multiprotein complexes. In particular, there is an increasing amount of evidence of a cross-talk between OGT and the DNA dioxygenase ten–eleven translocation proteins that catalyze active DNA demethylation. Conversely, the stability of OGT itself can be controlled by the histone lysine-specific demethylase 2 (LSD2). Finally, a few studies have explored the role of O-GlcNAcase (OGA) in chromatin remodeling. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on the link between OGT, OGA and chromatin regulators in mammalian cellular models, and discuss their relevance in physiological and pathological conditions.
OGT: a short overview of an enzyme standing out from usual glycosyltransferases
Authors: Aquino-Gil Moyira , Pierce Annick , Perez-Cervera Yobana , Zenteno Edgar , Lefebvre Tony
Published: April 2017

O-GlcNAcylation is a highly dynamic post-translational modification whose level depends on nutrient status. Only two enzymes regulate O-GlcNAcylation cycling, the glycosyltransferase OGT (O-GlcNAc transferase) and the glycoside hydrolase OGA (O-GlcNAcase), that add and remove the GlcNAc moiety to and from acceptor proteins, respectively. During the last 30 years, OGT has emerged as a master regulator of cell life with O-GlcNAcylation being found in viruses, bacteria, insects, protists and metazoans. The study of OGT in different biological systems opens new perspectives for understanding this enzyme in many kingdoms of life. In this review, we summarize recent and older findings regarding the distribution of OGT in living organisms.
Unilateral right‐tail Anderson‐Darling test based spectrum sensing for cognitive radio
Authors: Ye Yinghui , Lu Guangyue , Li Yongzhao , Jin Ming
Published: April 2017

A novel unilateral right‐tail Anderson‐Darling (URAD) scheme by exploiting the characteristic of non‐symmetrical differences between theoretical cumulative distribution function (CDF) and empirical CDF is proposed. The theoretical performance of the proposed URAD is analysed. Numerical results are provided to verify the theoretical results and demonstrate the superior detection performance of URAD by comparing with the existing Anderson‐Darling schemes.
Remote Monitoring of Perforator Flaps Using an Innovative Device with an Application for Mobile Phone: A Pilot Study
Authors: de la Parra Miguel , Montaño Javier
Published: April 2017

Background Surveillance and monitoring of perforator flaps has been well established for many years as a reliable method to detect early changes in the blood flow of the flap. In this manner, early flap revisions could be performed in cases of probable thrombosis.

Methods We performed a pilot study that included the first 12 patients to use this device. A temperature sensor electrode was used for remote monitoring of perforator flaps using a mobile phone in real time via a general pocket radio service and short messages developed by the authors, allowing the surgeon to check the temperature from any location.

Results The device continually displays the temperature of the flaps in real time performing a curve with measurements every 5 minute using the web page. A significant difference (p < 0.05) is shown between flaps with sufficient flow and flaps with venous thrombosis.

Conclusion Real-time direct thermography via the surgeon's mobile phone is a reliable method for flap monitoring, facilitating monitorization during the time when the surgeon is away from the hospital.
The Regioselective Synthesis of o-Nitrobenzyl DOPA Derivatives
Authors: Schneider Tobias , Martin Joshua , Durkin Patrick , Kubyshkin Vladimir , Budisa Nediljko
Published: April 2017

Photocaged DOPA derivatives may serve for non-invasive unmasking of the catechol fragment in biological systems. This would enable efficient control of the redox and metal-coordinating properties associated with the free catechol moiety, in particular, in biosynthetically produced adhesive proteins and synthetic peptides. Synthetic routes towards photocaged DOPA derivatives are reported herein. A new method for preparing para-alkylated DOPA starting from 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde is described for the first time.
Extensive Aggressive Central Giant Cell Granuloma of the Mandible: Conservative Steroids Treatment in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Boni Pietro , Bozzetti Alberto , Morganti Valeria , Novelli Giorgio , Sozzi Davide
Published: April 2017

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a relatively rare intraosseous lesion, described by the World Health Organization as a localized proliferation consisting of fibrous tissue with hemorrhage deposits, the presence of osteoclast-like cells, and reactive bone formation. In this article, the authors present their experience in managing a wide, aggressive CGCG of the whole tooth-bearing mandible in a 9-year-old pediatric patient. The extension of the lesion and the age of the patient have presented a double challenge concerning treatment and outcome. If fact the main objective remains a correct therapeutic treatment, focused on healing the patient and avoiding recurrences, the clinician must be careful in preventing an excessive morbidity. The authors decided to treat the young patient with intralesional corticosteroid therapy, reserving surgery in case of non-response or for subsequent refinements. In this article is presented the authors’ conservative treatment protocol with intralesional corticosteroid injection and their results are compared with literature's data.
Unique Image Characteristics of an Occipital Primary Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma: A Rare Case Report and a Brief Literature Review
Authors: He Xin , Yuan Tingting , Yan Yuzhu , Yu Jinlu , Tong Dan
Published: April 2017

Primary osteosarcomas of the skull and skull base are rare and comprise < 2% of all skull tumors. In head and neck osteosarcomas, the chondroblastic subtype occurs most frequently, which has an exceedingly poor outcome, but its image characteristic remains unknown. Herein, we report a case in the right occipital bone of the skull base and the unique characteristics of image. Pathologic examination of the surgical specimens led to the diagnosis of chondroblastic osteosarcomas. We believe those image characteristics can improve the understanding of skull chondroblastic osteosarcoma and the preoperative diagnosis.
First Neonatal Demise with Travel-Associated Zika Virus Infection in the United States of America
Authors: Zacharias Nikolaos , Whitty Janice , Noblin Sarah , Tsakiri Sophia , Garcia Jose , Covinsky Michael , Bhattacharjee Meenakshi , Saulino David , Tatevian Nina , Blackwell Sean
Published: April 2017

Zika virus is increasingly recognized as a fetal pathogen worldwide. We describe the first case of neonatal demise with travel-associated Zika virus infection in the United States of America, including a novel prenatal ultrasound finding. A young Latina presented to our health care system in Southeast Texas for prenatal care at 23 weeks of gestation. Fetal Dandy–Walker malformation, asymmetric cerebral ventriculomegaly, single umbilical artery, hypoechoic fetal knee, dorsal foot edema, and mild polyhydramnios were noted upon initial screening prenatal sonography at 26 weeks. A growth-restricted, microcephalic, and arthrogrypotic infant was delivered alive at 36 weeks but died within an hour despite resuscitation. The neonatal karyotype was normal. Flavivirus IgM antibodies were identified in the serum of the puerpera, once she disclosed that she had traveled from El Salvador to Texas in the early second trimester. Zika virus was identified in the umbilical cord and neonatal brain. Fetal arthritis may precede congenital arthrogryposis in cases of Zika virus infection and may be detectable by prenatal sonography. Physician and health care system vigilance is required to optimally address the significant and enduring Zika virus global health threat.
The Diagnostic Value of Whole Blood lncRNA ENST00000550337.1 for Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Li Xuejie , Zhao Zhenzhou , Gao Chuanyu , Rao Lixin , Hao Peiyuan , Jian Dongdong , Li Wentao , Tang Haiyu , Li Muwei
Published: April 2017

This study aims to investigate long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) as biomarker for pre-diabetes and T2DM.

LncRNAs in the peripheral blood of 6 healthy individuals and 6 T2DM patients were collected for microarray analysis. Then 5 candidate biomarkers from the differentially expressed lncRNAs were chosen and verified in a larger independent cohort (control group=20; pre-diabetes group=20; and T2DM group=20). The diagnostic capacity of ENST00000550337.1 was further tested in the third cohort (control group, n=60; pre-diabetes group, n=63; and T2DM group, n=64).

A total of 17 lncRNAs were found to be differentially expressed between the 2 groups. 14 lncRNAs of these were upregulated in T2DM patients and 3 were downregulated. 5 upregulated lncRNAs were selected as potential biomarkers and verified in the second cohort, and the expression levels of 3 lncRNAs increased gradually from the control group to the pre-diabetes group to the T2DM group. The diagnostic value of ENST00000550337.1 was then tested in the third cohort, and its high diagnostic value for pre-diabetes and T2DM was confirmed.

LncRNA ENST00000550337.1 is a potential diagnostic biomarker for pre-diabetes and T2DM.
Effect of Carnosine on Renal Function, Oxidation and Glycation Products in the Kidneys of High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Fatih Aydın Abdurrahman , Küçükgergin Canan , Bingül İlknur , Doğan-Ekici Işın , Doğru-Abbasoğlu Semra , Uysal Müjdat
Published: April 2017

High fat diet (HFD) and low dose of streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats provide an animal model for type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of diabetic complications. Carnosine (CAR) has antioxidant and antiglycating properties. We investigated effects of CAR on renal function, oxidation and glycation products in HFD+STZ-rats.

Rats were fed with HFD (60% of total calories from fat) for 4 weeks and then a single dose STZ (40 mg/kg; i.p.) was applied. Rats with blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dL were fed with HFD until the end of the 12th week. CAR (250 mg/kg body weight; i.p.; 5 times a week) was administered to rats for the last 4 weeks. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), glucose, lipids, and andrenal function tests in serum as well as reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, advanced oxidation protein products, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), antioxidant power, and antioxidant enzyme activities and their mRNA expressions in kidneys were determined.

CAR treatment did not alter glucose and HbA1c, but it decreased serum lipids, creatinine, and urea levels in HFD+STZ rats. Oxidation products of lipids and proteins and AGEs levels decreased, but antioxidant enzyme activities and their mRNA expressions remained unchanged due to CAR treatment.

Our results indicate that CAR treatment alleviated renal function and decreased accumulation of oxidation and glycation products in kidneys in HFD+STZ-rats.
Monitoring Thyroid Function in Patients on Levothyroxine. Assessment of Conformity to National Guidance and Variability in Practice
Authors: Scargill Jonathan , Livingston Mark , Holland David , Duff Christopher , Fryer Anthony , Heald Adrian
Published: April 2017

With demand for endocrine tests steadily increasing year-on-year, we examined thyroid function test (TFT) frequencies in patients on levothyroxine replacement therapy to assess the effect of initial TFT results and request source on TFT re-testing interval.

All TFTs performed by the Clinical Biochemistry Departments at the Salford Royal Hospital (2009–2012; 288 263 requests from 139 793 patients) and University Hospital of North Midlands (2011–2014; 579 156 requests from 193 035 patients) were extracted from the laboratory computer systems. Of these, 54 894 tests were on 13 297 patients confirmed to be on levothyroxine therapy in the test cohort (Salford) and 67 298 requests on 11 971 patients in the confirmatory cohort (North Midlands).

In the test cohort, median TFT re-testing interval in the total group was 19.1 weeks (IQR 9.1–37.7 weeks), with clearly defined peaks in TFT re-testing evident at 6 and 12 months and a prominent broad peak at 1–3 months. Median re-test interval was much lower than recommended (52 weeks) for those with normal TFTs at 31.3 weeks (30.6 weeks for the confirmatory cohort). Where thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was elevated and free thyroxine (fT4) was below the reference range, re-test interval was much longer than is recommended (8 weeks) at 13.4–17.6 weeks (7.1–23.4 weeks in the confirmatory cohort), as was the interval when TSH was below and fT4 was above the normal range, at 16.7–25.6 weeks (27.5–31.9 weeks in the confirmatory cohort).

Our findings show that the majority of TFT requests are requested outside recommended intervals and within-practice variability is high. A new approach to ensuring optimum monitoring frequency is required. Direct requesting from the clinical laboratory may provide one such solution.
Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cohort Comparison of Patients and Controls
Authors: García-Mayor Ricardo , García-Soidán Francisco , Salgado Barreira Angel ,   on behalf of the TRACONAL STUDY GROUP
Published: April 2017

To determine the prevalence of eating disorders (ED) in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), to identify the more predominant forms of ED, and to clarify if ED is associated with impaired metabolic control.

A cohort of 517 patients with T2DM aged≥40 years and a control cohort of 304 patients without diabetes, age and gender matched, were enrolled from 3 primary care centres. All subjects completed the Questionnaire of Eating and Weight Patterns-Revised (QEWP-R), followed by a structured interview (EDE 17th version).

The overall prevalence of ED in patients with T2DM and control cohorts was 32.5% and 19.7%, respectively (p<0.001). The frequency of ED in the patients with T2DM cohort was significantly higher in male than in female: 61.9% vs. 38.1% of the ED, respectively (p<0.001). The most prevalent form was unspecified feeding or eating disorder, mainly uncontrolled picking at food in 24.6% of subjects, which is significantly more prevalent in the patients with T2DM cohort than in controls, 24.6% vs. 14.5% (p<0.001). Mean HbA1c was 7.15%±1.1% (55 mmol/mol, 159 mg/dL) and 6.84%±1.1% (51 mmol/mol,150 mg/dL) in patients with T2DM with ED and without ED, respectively (p=0.047).

ED have a high prevalence in patients with T2DM, and the coexistence of type 2 diabetes and ED significantly affects metabolic control in these patients.
Vibrational behavior of single-walled carbon nanotubes based on cylindrical shell model using wave propagation approach
Authors: Hussain Muzamal , Naeem M. Nawaz , Shahzad Aamir , He Maogang
Published: April 2017

The vibration analysis, based on the Donnell thin shell theory, of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has been investigated. The wave propagation approach in standard eigenvalue form has been employed in order to derive the characteristic frequency equation describing the natural frequencies of vibration in SWCNTs. The complex exponential functions, with the axial modal numbers that depend on the boundary conditions stated at edges of a carbon nanotube, have been used to compute the axial modal dependence. In our new investigations, the vibration frequency spectra are obtained and calculated for various physical parameters like length-to-diameter ratios for armchair and zigzag SWCNTs for different modes and in-plane rigidity and mass density per unit lateral area for armchair and zigzag SWCNTs on the vibration frequencies. The computer software MATLAB is used in order to compute these frequencies of the SWCNTs. The results obtained from wave propagation method are found to be in satisfactory agreement with that obtained through the previously known numerical molecular dynamics simulations.
Ab-initio study of NiGe/Ge Schottky contact
Authors: Vaidya Dhirendra , Lodha Saurabh , Ganguly Swaroop
Published: April 2017

Germanium is a promising material for next-generation electronic and photonic devices, and engineering ohmic contacts to it can be expected to be a key challenge therein. The sensitivity of the Schottky barrier height of the NiGe/Ge contact to the detailed interfacial structure is revealed using the ab-initio study of pseudo-epitaxial NiGe(001)/Ge(100) contact using the computationally efficient meta-generalized-gradient-approximation, which can overcome the well-known bandgap underestimation problem. The p-type Schottky barrier height for an atomically flat pseudo-epitaxial NiGe(001)/Ge(100) contact is calculated to be 260 meV, an overestimate of about 160 meV compared to experiments. However, the estimated modulation of this barrier height, by about 270 meV, due to interface morphology points to a possible explanation for this discrepancy and suggests ways to engineer the contact for lesser resistivity.