bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Māori, a Politicized Identity: Indigenous Identity, Voter Turnout, Protest, and Political Party Support in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Greaves Lara M. , Sengupta Nikhil K. , Townrow Carly S. , Osborne Danny , Houkamau Carla A. , Sibley Chris G.
Published: July 2018

Political struggles are important to the identities of many indigenous peoples. This article examines identity as a predictor of crucial political outcomes—voter turnout, support for protest, and political party support—for Māori, the indigenous peoples of Aotearoa (New Zealand). We analyzed data from a national probability sample of Māori ( N = 663) that included a scale of subjective identification with various aspects of Māori identity: the Multidimensional Model of Māori Identity and Cultural Engagement. Use of the scale allowed us to examine the facets of ethnic identity that predict political mobilization for indigenous peoples. As expected, the identity domain relating to political struggle, Socio-Political Consciousness, was positively associated with support for left-wing parties and Māori rights protest but negatively associated with support for the right-wing party. However, Socio-Political Consciousness did not relate to voter turnout. These results demonstrate the importance of ethnic identity as a key predictor of political behaviors for indigenous peoples.
Reducing Racial Similarity Bias in Interviews by Increasing Structure: A Quasi-Experiment Using Multilevel Analysis
Authors: de Kock François S. , Hauptfleisch Daniël B.
Published: July 2018

We used a quasi-experiment to examine the relationship between interview structure and racial bias in simulated employment interviews. Although recent meta-analytic findings suggest that high-structure interviews (as compared with low-structure interviews) reduce same-race bias in interview ratings, this claim has not been tested using research designs that allow for stronger inference about the potential links between interview structure and bias. We showed videotaped interviews to 386 business students and, within both high- and low-structure conditions, determined levels of racial similarity bias using multilevel analysis. Our study used a fully crossed design within each condition, where all raters evaluated all applicants. As we expected, findings indicated that interviewers favored racially similar applicants less in high-structure interviews than in low-structure interviews. Our findings provide quasi-experimental evidence that increased interview structure may be effective to suppress racial similarity bias in employment interview ratings.
Reduced GluN1 in mouse dentate gyrus is associated with CA3 hyperactivity and psychosis-like behaviors
Authors: Segev Amir , Yanagi Masaya , Scott Daniel , Southcott Sarah A. , Lister Jacob M. , Tan Chunfeng , Li Wei , Birnbaum Shari G. , Kourrich Saïd , Tamminga Carol A.
Published: July 2018

Recent findings from in vivo-imaging and human post-mortem tissue studies in schizophrenic psychosis (SzP), have demonstrated functional and molecular changes in hippocampal subfields that can be associated with hippocampal hyperexcitability. In this study, we used a subfield-specific GluN1 knockout mouse with a disease-like molecular perturbation expressed only in hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and assessed its association with hippocampal physiology and psychosis-like behaviors. First, we used whole-cell patch-clamp recordings to measure the physiological changes in hippocampal subfields and cFos immunohistochemistry to examine cellular excitability. DG-GluN1 KO mice show CA3 cellular hyperactivity, detected using two approaches: (1) increased excitatory glutamate transmission at mossy fibers (MF)-CA3 synapses, and (2) an increased number of cFos-activated pyramidal neurons in CA3, an outcome that appears to project downstream to CA1 and basolateral amygdala (BLA). Furthermore, we examined psychosis-like behaviors and pathological memory processing; these show an increase in fear conditioning (FC), a reduction in prepulse inhibition (PPI) in the KO animal, along with a deterioration in memory accuracy with Morris Water Maze (MWM) and reduced social memory (SM). Moreover, with DREADD vectors, we demonstrate a remarkably similar behavioral profile when we induce CA3 hyperactivity. These hippocampal subfield changes could provide the basis for the observed increase in human hippocampal activity in SzP, based on the shared DG-specific GluN1 reduction. With further characterization, these animal model systems may serve as targets to test psychosis mechanisms related to hippocampus and assess potential hippocampus-directed treatments.
Correction: Increased survival and cell cycle progression pathways are required for EWS/FLI1-induced malignant transformation
Authors: Javaheri Tahereh , Kazemi Zahra , Jan Pencik  , Pham Ha T. T. , Kauer Maximilian , Noorizadeh Rahil , Sax Barbara , Nivarthi Harini , Schlederer Michaela , Maurer Barbara , Hofbauer Maximillian , Aryee Dave N. T. , Wiedner Marc , Tomazou Eleni M. , Logan Malcolm , Hartmann Christine , Tuckermann Jan P. , Kenner Lukas , Mikula Mario , Dolznig Helmut , Üren Aykut , Richter Günther H. , Grebien Florian , Kovar Heinrich , Moriggl Richard
Published: July 2018

Since publication of the article, the authors became aware that Figure 6(A,D) contained errors in the bands and loading controls. The newly compiled Figure 6A and 6D is given below.
Genome-wide association analyses identify 143 risk variants and putative regulatory mechanisms for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Xue Angli , Wu Yang , Zhu Zhihong , Zhang Futao , Kemper Kathryn E. , Zheng Zhili , Yengo Loic , Lloyd-Jones Luke R. , Sidorenko Julia , Wu Yeda ,   eQTLGen Consortium, Agbessi Mawussé , Ahsan Habibul , Alves Isabel , Andiappan Anand , Awadalla Philip , Battle Alexis , Beutner Frank , Bonder Marc Jan , Boomsma Dorret , Christiansen Mark , Claringbould Annique , Deelen Patrick , Esko Tõnu , Favé Marie-Julie , Franke Lude , Frayling Timothy , Gharib Sina , Gibson Gregory , Hemani Gibran , Jansen Rick , Kähönen Mika , Kalnapenkis Anette , Kasela Silva , Kettunen Johannes , Kim Yungil , Kirsten Holger , Kovacs Peter , Krohn Knut , Kronberg-Guzman Jaanika , Kukushkina Viktorija , Kutalik Zoltan , Lee Bernett , Lehtimäki Terho , Loeffler Markus , Marigorta Urko M. , Metspalu Andres , Milani Lili , Müller-Nurasyid Martina , Nauck Matthias , Nivard Michel , Penninx Brenda , Perola Markus , Pervjakova Natalia , Pierce Brandon , Powell Joseph , Prokisch Holger , Psaty Bruce , Raitakari Olli , Ring Susan , Ripatti Samuli , Rotzschke Olaf , Ruëger Sina , Saha Ashis , Scholz Markus , Schramm Katharina , Seppälä Ilkka , Stumvoll Michael , Sullivan Patrick , Teumer Alexander , Thiery Joachim , Tong Lin , Tönjes Anke , van Dongen Jenny , van Meurs Joyce , Verlouw Joost , Völker Uwe , Võsa Urmo , Yaghootkar Hanieh , Zeng Biao , McRae Allan F. , Visscher Peter M. , Zeng Jian , Yang Jian
Published: July 2018

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a very common disease in humans. Here we conduct a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with ~16 million genetic variants in 62,892 T2D cases and 596,424 controls of European ancestry. We identify 139 common and 4 rare variants associated with T2D, 42 of which (39 common and 3 rare variants) are independent of the known variants. Integration of the gene expression data from blood (n = 14,115 and 2765) with the GWAS results identifies 33 putative functional genes for T2D, 3 of which were targeted by approved drugs. A further integration of DNA methylation (n = 1980) and epigenomic annotation data highlight 3 genes (CAMK1D, TP53INP1, and ATP5G1) with plausible regulatory mechanisms, whereby a genetic variant exerts an effect on T2D through epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Our study uncovers additional loci, proposes putative genetic regulatory mechanisms for T2D, and provides evidence of purifying selection for T2D-associated variants.
Seipin and the membrane-shaping protein Pex30 cooperate in organelle budding from the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Wang Sihui , Idrissi Fatima-Zahra , Hermansson Martin , Grippa Alexandra , Ejsing Christer S. , Carvalho Pedro
Published: July 2018

Lipid droplets (LDs) and peroxisomes are ubiquitous organelles with central roles in eukaryotic cells. Although the mechanisms involved in biogenesis of these organelles remain elusive, both seem to require the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here we show that in yeast the ER budding of these structurally unrelated organelles has remarkably similar requirements and involves cooperation between Pex30 and the seipin complex. In the absence of these components, budding of both LDs and peroxisomes is inhibited, leading to the ER accumulation of their respective constituent molecules, such as triacylglycerols and peroxisomal membrane proteins, whereas COPII vesicle formation remains unaffected. This phenotype can be reversed by remodeling ER phospholipid composition highlighting a key function of these lipids in organelle biogenesis. We propose that seipin and Pex30 act in concert to organize membrane domains permissive for organelle budding, and that may have a lipid composition distinct from the bulk ER.
Single-shot condensation of exciton polaritons and the hole burning effect
Authors: Estrecho E. , Gao T. , Bobrovska N. , Fraser M. D. , Steger M. , Pfeiffer L. , West K. , Liew T. C. H. , Matuszewski M. , Snoke D. W. , Truscott A. G. , Ostrovskaya E. A.
Published: July 2018

A bosonic condensate of exciton polaritons in a semiconductor microcavity is a macroscopic quantum state subject to pumping and decay. The fundamental nature of this driven-dissipative condensate is still under debate. Here, we gain an insight into spontaneous condensation by imaging long-lifetime exciton polaritons in a high-quality inorganic microcavity in a single-shot optical excitation regime, without averaging over multiple condensate realisations. We demonstrate that condensation is strongly influenced by an incoherent reservoir and that the reservoir depletion, the so-called spatial hole burning, is critical for the transition to the ground state. Condensates of photon-like polaritons exhibit strong shot-to-shot fluctuations and density filamentation due to the effective self-focusing associated with the reservoir depletion. In contrast, condensates of exciton-like polaritons display smoother spatial density distributions and are second-order coherent. Our observations show that the single-shot measurements offer a unique opportunity to study fundamental properties of non-equilibrium condensation in the presence of a reservoir.
Extensive intraspecific gene order and gene structural variations between Mo17 and other maize genomes
Authors: Sun Silong , Zhou Yingsi , Chen Jian , Shi Junpeng , Zhao Haiming , Zhao Hainan , Song Weibin , Zhang Mei , Cui Yang , Dong Xiaomei , Liu Han , Ma Xuxu , Jiao Yinping , Wang Bo , Wei Xuehong , Stein Joshua C. , Glaubitz Jeff C. , Lu Fei , Yu Guoliang , Liang Chengzhi , Fengler Kevin , Li Bailin , Rafalski Antoni , Schnable Patrick S. , Ware Doreen H. , Buckler Edward S. , Lai Jinsheng
Published: July 2018

Maize is an important crop with a high level of genome diversity and heterosis. The genome sequence of a typical female line, B73, was previously released. Here, we report a de novo genome assembly of a corresponding male representative line, Mo17. More than 96.4% of the 2,183 Mb assembled genome can be accounted for by 362 scaffolds in ten pseudochromosomes with 38,620 annotated protein-coding genes. Comparative analysis revealed large gene-order and gene structural variations: approximately 10% of the annotated genes were mutually nonsyntenic, and more than 20% of the predicted genes had either large-effect mutations or large structural variations, which might cause considerable protein divergence between the two inbred lines. Our study provides a high-quality reference-genome sequence of an important maize germplasm, and the intraspecific gene order and gene structural variations identified should have implications for heterosis and genome evolution.
Hippo Signaling Pathway Dysregulation in Human Huntington’s Disease Brain and Neuronal Stem Cells
Authors: Mueller Kaly A. , Glajch Kelly E. , Huizenga Megan N. , Wilson Remi A. , Granucci Eric J. , Dios Amanda M. , Tousley Adelaide R. , Iuliano Maria , Weisman Elizabeth , LaQuaglia Michael J. , DiFiglia Marian , Kegel-Gleason Kimberly , Vakili Khashayar , Sadri-Vakili Ghazaleh
Published: July 2018

The Hippo signaling pathway is involved in organ size regulation and tumor suppression. Although inhibition of Hippo leads to tumorigenesis, activation of Hippo may play a role in neurodegeneration. Specifically, activation of the upstream regulator, mammalian sterile 20 (STE20)-like kinase 1 (MST1), reduces activity of the transcriptional co-activator Yes-Associated Protein (YAP), thereby mediating oxidative stress-induced neuronal death. Here, we investigated the possible role of this pathway in Huntington’s disease (HD) pathogenesis. Our results demonstrate a significant increase in phosphorylated MST1, the active form, in post-mortem HD cortex and in the brains of CAG knock-in HdhQ111/Q111 mice. YAP nuclear localization was also decreased in HD post-mortem cortex and in neuronal stem cells derived from HD patients. Moreover, there was a significant increase in phosphorylated YAP, the inactive form, in HD post-mortem cortex and in HdhQ111/Q111 brain. In addition, YAP was found to interact with huntingtin (Htt) and the chaperone 14-3-3, however this interaction was not altered in the presence of mutant Htt. Lastly, YAP/TEAD interactions and expression of Hippo pathway genes were altered in HD. Together, these results demonstrate that activation of MST1 together with a decrease in nuclear YAP could significantly contribute to transcriptional dysregulation in HD.
Toward Electrically Tunable, Lithography-Free, Ultra-Thin Color Filters Covering the Whole Visible Spectrum
Authors: Aalizadeh Majid , Serebryannikov Andriy E. , Khavasi Amin , Vandenbosch Guy A. E. , Ozbay Ekmel
Published: July 2018

The possibility of real-time tuning of optical devices has attracted a lot of interest over the last decade. At the same time, coming up with simple lithography-free structures has always been a challenge in the design of large-area compatible devices. In this work, we present the concept and the sample design of an electrically tunable, lithography-free, ultra-thin transmission-mode color filter, the spectrum of which continuously covers the whole visible region. A simple Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) cavity configuration is used. It is shown that using the electro-optic dielectric material of 4-dimethyl-amino-N-methyl-4-stilbazoliumtosylate (DAST) as the dielectric layer in this configuration enables efficient electrical tuning of the color filter. The total thickness of the structure is 120 nm, so it is ultra-thin. The output color gets tuned from violet to red by sweeping the applied voltage from −12 to +12 Volts (V). We present an in-detail optimization procedure along with a simple calculation method for the resonance wavelength of the MIM cavity that is based on circuit theory. Such power-efficient structures have a large variety of potential applications ranging from optical communication and switching to displays and color-tunable windows.
Hordes of Phages in the Gut of the Tilapia Sarotherodon melanotheron
Authors: Bettarel Yvan , Combe Marine , Adingra Antoinette , Ndiaye Awa , Bouvier Thierry , Panfili Jacques , Durand Jean-Dominique
Published: July 2018

Preliminary studies conducted on the human gastro-intestinal tract have revealed that enteric viral communities play a preponderant role in microbial homeostatis. However to date, such communities have never been investigated in the fish gut. Herein, we examined the main ecological traits of viruses in the digestive tract of a euryhaline fish, the tilapia Sarotherodon melanotheron. Individuals were collected at 8 different sites in Senegal covering a salinity gradient from 3 to 104‰, and showing large disparities in their organic pollutant concentrations. Results showed that the gut of S. melanotheron is home to a highly abundant viral community (0.2–10.7 × 109 viruses ml−1), distinct from the surrounding water, and essentially composed of phages of which a substantial proportion is temperate (the fraction of lysogenized cells-FLC ranging from 8.1 to 33.0%). Also, a positive and significant correlation was detected between FLC and the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in sediment, while no clear relationships were found between salinity and any of the microbial parameters considered. Finally, our data suggest that virus-bacteria interactions within the fish intestine are likely sensitive to the presence of particular xenobiotics, which may compromise the balance in the gut microbiota, and subsequently affect the health of their host.
Increased aqueous autotaxin and lysophosphatidic acid levels are potential prognostic factors after trabeculectomy in different types of glaucoma
Authors: Igarashi Nozomi , Honjo Megumi , Kurano Makoto , Yatomi Yutaka , Igarashi Koji , Kano Kuniyuki , Aoki Junken , Aihara Makoto
Published: July 2018

We explored the potential relevance of aqueous lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and autotaxin (ATX) levels on postoperative outcomes of trabeculectomy, and the effects of ATX on fibrotic response in cultured human conjunctiva fibroblast (HCF) cells. We enrolled 70 glaucomatous eyes which underwent trabeculectomy, and quantified aqueous LPA and ATX. Those eyes were followed up for 12 months, and postoperative filtering blebs were evaluated using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Also, the ATX-induced fibrotic changes in HCFs and the effects of an ATX inhibitor were assessed. Measured aqueous ATX and LPA levels were significantly different between glaucoma subtypes. In multivariate analyses, aqueous ATX levels were significantly correlated with the presence of needlings at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Exfoliative glaucoma, whose ATX level was significantly high, showed significantly increased numbers of needlings and a lower cumulative success rate without needlings. An in vitro study showed that fibrotic changes were upregulated by ATX treatment in HCFs, which was significantly suppressed by an ATX inhibitor. We presently demonstrate that aqueous ATX may be a prognostic factor affecting the fibrotic response in HCFs and bleb formation, and inhibition of ATX could be a therapeutic target after trabeculectomy.
Exploring the pathology of an epidermal disease affecting a circum-Antarctic sea star
Authors: Núñez-Pons Laura , Work Thierry M. , Angulo-Preckler Carlos , Moles Juan , Avila Conxita
Published: July 2018

Over the past decade, unusual mortality outbreaks have decimated echinoderm populations over broad geographic regions, raising awareness globally of the importance of investigating such events. Echinoderms are key components of marine benthos for top-down and bottom-up regulations of plants and animals; population declines of these individuals can have significant ecosystem-wide effects. Here we describe the first case study of an outbreak affecting Antarctic echinoderms and consisting of an ulcerative epidermal disease affecting ~10% of the population of the keystone asteroid predator Odontaster validus at Deception Island, Antarctica. This event was first detected in the Austral summer 2012–2013, coinciding with unprecedented high seawater temperatures and increased seismicity. Histological analyses revealed epidermal ulceration, inflammation, and necrosis in diseased animals. Bacterial and fungal alpha diversity was consistently lower and of different composition in lesioned versus unaffected tissues (32.87% and 16.94% shared bacterial and fungal operational taxonomic units OTUs respectively). The microbiome of healthy stars was more consistent across individuals than in diseased specimens suggesting microbial dysbiosis, especially in the lesion fronts. Because these microbes were not associated with tissue damage at the microscopic level, their contribution to the development of epidermal lesions remains unclear. Our study reveals that disease events are reaching echinoderms as far as the polar regions thereby highlighting the need to develop a greater understanding of the microbiology and physiology of marine diseases and ecosystems health, especially in the era of global warming.
Dopamine-grafted heparin as an additive to the commercialized carboxymethyl cellulose/styrene-butadiene rubber binder for practical use of SiOx/graphite composite anode
Authors: Lee Kukjoo , Lim Sanghyun , Go Nakgyu , Kim Jaemin , Mun Junyoung , Kim Tae-Hyun
Published: July 2018

Graphite is used commercially as the active material in lithium ion batteries, frequently as part of a graphite/SiOx composite. Graphite is used in conjunction with SiOx to overcome the limited energy density of graphite, and to lessen the adverse effects of volume expansion of Si. However, electrodes based on graphite/SiOx composites can be made with only 3–5 wt % SiOx because of the increased failure of electrodes with higher SiOx contents. Here, we developed a new polymer binder, by combining dopamine-grafted heparin with the commercial binder carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), in order to more effectively hold the SiOx particles together and prevent disintegration of the electrode during charging and discharging. The crosslinking using acid-base interactions between heparin and CMC and the ion-conducting sulfonate group in heparin, together with the strong adhesion properties of dopamine, yielded better physical properties for the dopamine-heparin-containing CMC/SBR-based electrodes than for the commercial CMC/SBR-based electrodes, and hence yielded excellent cell performance with a retention of 73.5% of the original capacity, a Coulombic efficiency of 99.7% at 150 cycles, and a high capacity of 200 mAh g−1 even at 20 C. Furthermore, a full cell test using the proposed electrode material showed stable cell performance with 89% retention at the 150th cycle.
Storm surge variation along the coast of the Bohai Sea
Authors: Feng Jianlong , Li Delei , Li Yan , Liu Qiulin , Wang Aimei
Published: July 2018

The present study mainly investigates the storm surge variations at different temporal scales using hourly tide gauge data in the Bohai Sea. The seasonal variation, inter-decadal variation, long-term trend and the tide-surge interaction were analyzed separately. The results show that the storm surges in the southwest Bohai Sea are larger than those in the north. The storm surges were more serious in winter (Oct. to Mar.) than in summer half of the year. Significant inter-decadal variations exist in the Bohai Sea, and the extreme storm surge events have been intensifying since 2010. Storm surge intensities at three of the tide gauges (Qinhuangdao, Huludao and Tanggu) exhibited a decreasing trend from 1980 to 2016, with trends significant at the 95% level at Qinhuangdao and Tanggu. Significant tide-surge interactions were observed at all four tide gauges. The tide-surge interaction that results in peak surges mostly occurs during the flood and ebb tides. There is a statistically significant negative correlation between storm surge intensity and the Arctic Oscillation (AO) at Longkou and Tanggu, while there is a significantly positive correlation between storm surge intensity and the Siberian High (SH) at Huludao, Qinhuangdao and Tanggu. A linear regression analysis revealed that the variations of the AO and SH explained 19–48% of the variations in the storm surge intensity in the Bohai Sea.
Palmitate-induced lipotoxicity is crucial for the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in cooperation with gut-derived endotoxin
Authors: Ogawa Yuji , Imajo Kento , Honda Yasushi , Kessoku Takaomi , Tomeno Wataru , Kato Shingo , Fujita Koji , Yoneda Masato , Saito Satoru , Saigusa Yusuke , Hyogo Hideyuki , Sumida Yoshio , Itoh Yoshito , Eguchi Kosei , Yamanaka Takeharu , Wada Koichiro , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: July 2018

Although previous studies have indicated important roles of palmitate, a saturated fatty acid, in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it remains unclear how palmitate contributes to inflammation and fibrosis in the liver. Administration of palmitate in high fat diet (HFD)-fed but not basal diet (BD)-fed mice resulted in an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Surprisingly, combined administration of very low dose lipopolysaccharide in palmitate-treated mice led to a marked increase in serum ALT levels despite BD-fed conditions. Administration of palmitate alone in BD-fed mice caused inflammatory cell infiltration and liver fibrosis mediated by the toll-like receptor 4 pathway without ALT elevation. In addition, a significant correlation between serum free fatty acid levels and liver fibrosis stage was observed in patients with NAFLD. These results indicate that palmitate may play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in the presence of gut-derived endotoxin.
Super-wide viewing-zone holographic 3D display using a convex parabolic mirror
Authors: Sando Yusuke , Satoh Kazuo , Kitagawa Takahiro , Kawamura Makoto , Barada Daisuke , Yatagai Toyohiko
Published: July 2018

To enlarge both horizontal (azimuthal) and vertical (zenithal) viewing zones simultaneously, a convex parabolic mirror is placed after passing through the hologram. Viewers perceive a three-dimensional (3D) object inside the parabolic mirror as a virtual image by capturing the wavefront radially reflected from the parabolic mirror. The optical experiment using the convex parabolic mirror has demonstrated an extremely wide viewing zone with an azimuthal range of 180° and zenithal range of 90°. The viewing zone and the shape of the parabolic surface are analyzed. The hologram is designed considering the parabolic mirror reflection, and its diffraction calculation method based on Fermat’s principle is also proposed.
Complementary intestinal mucosa and microbiota responses to caloric restriction
Authors: Duszka Kalina , Ellero-Simatos Sandrine , Ow Ghim Siong , Defernez Marianne , Paramalingam Eeswari , Tett Adrian , Ying Shi , König Jürgen , Narbad Arjan , Kuznetsov Vladimir A. , Guillou Hervé , Wahli Walter
Published: July 2018

The intestine is key for nutrient absorption and for interactions between the microbiota and its host. Therefore, the intestinal response to caloric restriction (CR) is thought to be more complex than that of any other organ. Submitting mice to 25% CR during 14 days induced a polarization of duodenum mucosa cell gene expression characterised by upregulation, and downregulation of the metabolic and immune/inflammatory pathways, respectively. The HNF, PPAR, STAT, and IRF families of transcription factors, particularly the Pparα and Isgf3 genes, were identified as potentially critical players in these processes. The impact of CR on metabolic genes in intestinal mucosa was mimicked by inhibition of the mTOR pathway. Furthermore, multiple duodenum and faecal metabolites were altered in CR mice. These changes were dependent on microbiota and their magnitude corresponded to microbial density. Further experiments using mice with depleted gut bacteria and CR-specific microbiota transfer showed that the gene expression polarization observed in the mucosa of CR mice is independent of the microbiota and its metabolites. The holistic interdisciplinary approach that we applied allowed us to characterize various regulatory aspects of the host and microbiota response to CR.
MiR-146a induction by cyanobacterial lipopolysaccharide antagonist (CyP) mediates endotoxin cross-tolerance
Authors: Molteni Monica , Bosi Annalisa , Saturni Vincenzo , Rossetti Carlo
Published: July 2018

Endotoxin tolerance is a phenomenon characterized by a reduced capacity of monocytes and macrophages to respond to repeated stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) which has been suggested to represent a way of controlling the intensity and duration of innate immune response. During endotoxin tolerance, monocytes undergo functional re-programming primarily by epigenetic regulation. Recently, micro-RNA (miR)-146a has been demonstrated to be the major player of the negative regulation of the pro-inflammatory response, affecting TNF-α production. In this study, we have employed CyP, a cyanobacterial LPS antagonist acting on TLR4-MD2 complex, for priming human monocytes and evaluating their response to a subsequent challenge withE.coliLPS. Results show that CyP is able to induce cross-tolerance toE.coliLPS by inhibiting TNF-α production. The mechanism of action is mediated by a specific induction of miR-146a and reduction of IRAK1 and TRAF6 expressions in human monocytes by CyP priming. Up-regulation of miR-146a by CyP alone, affects subsequent cell response in term of TNF-α production even when monocytes are incubated with other TLR ligands, as lipoteichoic acid (LTA), thus confirming miR-146a as a critical player mediating TNF-α regulation during cross-tolerance with CyP.
Skeletal muscle cutoff values for sarcopenia diagnosis using T10 to L5 measurements in a healthy US population
Authors: Derstine Brian A. , Holcombe Sven A. , Ross Brian E. , Wang Nicholas C. , Su Grace L. , Wang Stewart C.
Published: July 2018

Measurements of skeletal muscle cross-sectional area, index, and radiation attenuation utilizing clinical computed tomography (CT) scans are used in assessments of sarcopenia, the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function associated with aging. To classify individuals as sarcopenic, sex-specific cutoffs for ‘low’ values are used. Conventionally, cutoffs for skeletal muscle measurements at the level of the third lumbar (L3) vertebra are used, however L3 is not included in several clinical CT protocols. Non-contrast-enhanced CT scans from healthy kidney donor candidates (age 18–40) at Michigan Medicine were utilized. Skeletal muscle area (SMA), index (SMI), and mean attenuation (SMRA) were measured at each vertebral level between the tenth thoracic (T10) and the fifth lumbar (L5) vertebra. Sex-specific means, standard deviations (s.d.), and sarcopenia cutoffs (mean-2 s.d.) at each vertebral level were computed. Associations between vertebral levels were assessed using Pearson correlations and Tukey’s difference test. Classification agreement between different vertebral level cutoffs was assessed using overall accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. SMA, SMI, and SMRA L3 cutoffs for sarcopenia were 92.2 cm2, 34.4 cm2/m2, and 34.3 HU in females, and 144.3 cm2, 45.4 cm2/m2, and 38.5 HU in males, consistent with previously reported cutoffs. Correlations between all level pairs were statistically significant and high, ranging from 0.65 to 0.95 (SMA), 0.64 to 0.95 (SMI), and 0.63 to 0.95 (SMRA). SMA peaks at L3, supporting its use as the primary site for CT sarcopenia measurements. However, when L3 is not available alternative levels (in order of preference) are L2, L4, L5, L1, T12, T11, and T10. Healthy reference values reported here enable sarcopenia assessment and sex-specific standardization of SMA, SMI, and SMRA in clinical populations, including those whose CT protocols do not include L3.
Cyclodextrin and malto-dextrose collision cross sections determined in a drift tube ion mobility mass spectrometer using nitrogen bath gas
Authors: Klein Christian , Cologna Stephanie M. , Kurulugama Ruwan T. , Blank Paul S. , Darland Ed , Mordehai Alex , Backlund Peter S. , Yergey Alfred L.
Published: July 2018

Ion mobility measurements indicate unique distributions for cyclodextrin ions.
Tuning carbohydrate density enhances protein binding and inhibition by glycosylated β-sheet peptide nanofibers
Authors: Restuccia Antonietta , Hudalla Gregory A.
Published: July 2018

The efficacy of glycosylated β-sheet peptide nanofibers for inhibiting carbohydrate-binding proteins can be increased by tuning carbohydrate density to maximize protein binding affinity.
Cadmium tris(dithiocarbamate) ionic liquids as single source, solvent-free cadmium sulfide precursors
Authors: Macreadie Lauren K. , Forsyth Craig M. , Turner David R. , Chesman Anthony S. R.
Published: July 2018

The first cadmium-based ionic liquids (ILs) have been developed, along with a family of cadmium dialkyldithiocarbamate salts, (cation)[Cd(R2dtc)3], in the pursuit of single source molecular precursors that thermolyse to form cadmium sulfide.
A catalytic N-deacylative alkylation approach to hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole alkaloids
Authors: Kumar Nivesh , Maity Arindam , Gavit Vipin R. , Bisai Alakesh
Published: July 2018

An efficient synthetic strategy to diversely functionalized hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole alkaloids is described featuring a key Pd(0)-catalyzed deacylative alkylation of N-acyl 3-substituted indoles. The reaction can be performed only using 1 mol% of Pd(PPh3)4 in the presence of 1.2 equivalent of both triethylborane and KOtBu.
Rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular cascade sequence for the formation of fused carbazole-annulated medium-sized rings by cleavage of C(sp2)–H/C(sp3)–H bonds
Authors: Li Qiuyun , Li Bin , Wang Baiquan
Published: July 2018

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed intramolecular annulation of alkyne-tethered 3-(indol-3-yl)-3-oxopropanenitriles for the synthesis of fused carbazole scaffolds via C–H activation has been developed. A series of six-, seven-, and eight-membered hydroazepino[3,2,1-jk]carbazoles were achieved.
Tuning the Lewis acidity of difluorido gold(iii) complexes: the synthesis of [AuClF2(SIMes)] and [AuF2(OTeF5)(SIMes)]
Authors: Ellwanger Mathias A. , von Randow Clara , Steinhauer Simon , Zhou Yunfei , Wiesner Anja , Beckers Helmut , Braun Thomas , Riedel Sebastian
Published: July 2018

A route to [AuIIIClF2(SIMes)] and [AuIIIF2(OTeF5)(SIMes)] including structural characterization to tune the ligand arrangement and Lewis acidity of gold(iii) centres was developed.
Strategies of alloying effect for regulating Pt-based H2-SCR catalytic activity
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Qian , Zaman Waqas Qamar , Cao Limei , Gong Xue-Qing , Yang Ji
Published: July 2018

Compressive strain is induced in Pt crystals by alloying with smaller-sized 3d transition metals, which enhances the H2–NO reduction reaction activity by decreasing the energy required for breaking the N–O bond.
Tracing feed-back driven exciton dynamics in molecular aggregates
Authors: Abramavicius Darius , Chorošajev Vladimir , Valkunas Leonas
Published: July 2018

Excitation, exciton transport, dephasing and energy relaxation, and finally detection processes shift molecular systems into a specific superposition of quantum states causing localization, local heating and finally excitonic polaronic effects.
Charge polarization in partially lithiated single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Fedoseeva Yu. V. , Lapteva L. L. , Makarova A. A. , Bulusheva L. G. , Okotrub A. V.
Published: July 2018

Investigation of carbon/lithium interfaces is of great importance for elaboration of energy storage devices.
Dynamic micellar oligomers of amyloid beta peptides play a crucial role in their aggregation mechanisms
Authors: Morel Bertrand , Carrasco Maria Paz , Jurado Samuel , Marco Carmen , Conejero-Lara Francisco
Published: July 2018

Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides form micellar precursors of amyloid nuclei contributing to important differences in their aggregation pathways.
Structural and bonding properties of Cu3O3− and Cu3O4− clusters: anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional calculations
Authors: Xu Xi-Ling , Yang Bin , Wei Zhi-You , Cao Guo-Jin , Xu Hong-Guang , Zheng Wei-Jun
Published: July 2018

The structures of Cu3O3− and Cu3O4− were determined by combination of anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional calculations. The Cu–Cu interactions in Cu3O3− and Cu3O4− are weak.
Functionalised tetrathiafulvalene- (TTF-) macrocycles: recent trends in applied supramolecular chemistry
Authors: Jana Atanu , Bähring Steffen , Ishida Masatoshi , Goeb Sébastien , Canevet David , Sallé Marc , Jeppesen Jan O. , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: July 2018

Tetrathiafulvalene- (TTF-) based macrocyclic systems, cages and supramolecularly self-assembled 3D constructs have been extensively explored as functional materials for sensing and switching applications.
Surface oxygen vacancy and defect engineering of WO3 for improved visible light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Liu Qi , Wang Fengjiao , Lin Huaxiang , Xie Yanyu , Tong Na , Lin Jinjin , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhang Zizhong , Wang Xuxu
Published: July 2018

Compared to the pristine WO3, the oxygen vacancy defect levels of the sub-stoichiometric WO3−X narrow the bandgap and promote the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs.
Development of P3-K0.69CrO2 as an ultra-high-performance cathode material for K-ion batteries
Authors: Hwang Jang-Yeon , Kim Jongsoon , Yu Tae-Yeon , Myung Seung-Taek , Sun Yang-Kook
Published: July 2018

P3-K0.69CrO2 cathode is successfully synthesized via an electrochemical ion-exchange route and delivers excellent cycling stability and power capability in K-ion batteries.
Scalable thin-layer membrane reactor for heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic gas–liquid reactions
Authors: Mo Yiming , Imbrogno Joseph , Zhang Haomiao , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: July 2018

Scalable, sustainable, and safe thin-layer membrane reactor can potentially accelerate the adoption of heterogeneous and homogenous catalytic gas–liquid reactions in the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries.
Oxygen vacancies confined in SnO2nanoparticles for glorious photocatalytic activities from the UV, visible to near-infrared region
Authors: Yang Linfen , Yang Yuanjie , Liu Tongyao , Ma Xinlong , Lee Soo Wohn , Wang Yuhua
Published: July 2018

For the purpose of effectively utilizing solar energy, tailoring of the energy band configuration represents an effective approach to the exploration and development of full-spectrum-responsive photocatalysts with advanced performance.
Crystalline and magnetic structure–property relationship in spinel ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Andersen Henrik Lyder , Saura-Múzquiz Matilde , Granados-Miralles Cecilia , Canévet Emmanuel , Lock Nina , Christensen Mogens
Published: July 2018

The crystal and magnetic structures of MFe2O4 (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Zn) nanoparticles are determined by combined X-ray and neutron diffraction data modelling and related to the macroscopic magnetic properties.
Understanding the bias dependence of low frequency noise in single layer graphene FETs
Authors: Mavredakis Nikolaos , Garcia Cortadella Ramon , Bonaccini Calia Andrea , Garrido Jose A. , Jiménez David
Published: July 2018

This letter investigates the bias-dependent low frequency noise of single layer graphene field-effect transistors.
Shape-memory and self-healing functions of DNA-based carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels driven by chemical or light triggers
Authors: Wang Chen , Fadeev Michael , Zhang Junji , Vázquez-González Margarita , Davidson-Rozenfeld Gilad , Tian He , Willner Itamar
Published: July 2018

Photoresponsive hydrogels crosslinked by trans-azobenzene/β-cyclodextrin and duplex DNA or K+-G-quadruplex are described. The hydrogels reveal shape-memory functions and self-healing properties.
A designer membrane tool-box with a mixed metal organic framework and RAFT-synthesized antibacterial polymer perform in tandem towards desalination, antifouling and heavy metal exclusion
Authors: Samantaray Paresh Kumar , Baloda Sonika , Madras Giridhar , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: July 2018

A membrane tool-box designed using mixed metal–organic framework and RAFT synthesized antibacterial polymers for water remediation.
Lithium phosphide/lithium chloride coating on lithium for advanced lithium metal anode
Authors: Lin Liangdong , Liang Feng , Zhang Kaiyuan , Mao Hongzhi , Yang Jian , Qian Yitai
Published: July 2018

Lithium metal has been regarded as an ideal anode material for high-energy-density batteries.
A low crystallinity oxygen-vacancy-rich Co3O4 cathode for high-performance flexible asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Hao Jiaxin , Peng Shanglong , Li Haoqian , Dang Shan , Qin Tianfeng , Wen Yuxiang , Huang Juanjuan , Ma Fei , Gao Daqiang , Li Feng , Cao Guozhong
Published: July 2018

Co3O4 has received ever-growing interest as an electro-active material for supercapacitors due to its high theoretical specific capacitance (3560 F g−1) and simple synthesis process.
Design of multi-functional AIEgens: tunable emission, circularly polarized luminescence and self-assembly by dark through-bond energy transfer
Authors: Feng Hai-Tao , Gu Xinggui , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Zheng Yan-Song , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2018

A pair of chiral R/S-TPE-BINOL derivatives with dark resonance energy transfer was synthesized using a tetraphenylethylene derivative as a dark energy donor which also endows the target molecules with aggregation-induced emission characteristics, BODIPY as an energy acceptor and BINOL as a chiral source.
Visible light triggered aggregation-induced emission switching with a donor–acceptor Stenhouse adduct
Authors: Wu Bing , Xue Tianhao , Wang Wei , Li Shang , Shen Jiajia , He Yaning
Published: July 2018

A novel visible light triggered aggregation-induced emission compound derived from a donor–acceptor Stenhouse adduct (DASA) and the tetraphenylethylene (TPE) moiety was reported.
AIEgens based on main group heterocycles
Authors: Shen Pingchuan , Zhuang Zeyan , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2018

The newly emerging AIEgens based on heterocycles of silicon, sulphur, oxygen, phosphorus, nitrogen, boron, etc., are introduced, and the structure and function correlations are elucidated in detail.
Trichosanthes kirilowii lectin alleviates diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting the LOX1/NF-κB/caspase-9 signaling pathway
Authors: Lu Jiandong , Peng Jinting , Xiang Min , He Liangping , Wang Dongcai , Xiong Guoliang , Li Shunmin
Published: July 2018

Trichosanthes kirilowii lectin (TKL) has been reported to exert hypoglycemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. However, there is no evidence showing that it helps to prevent diabetic nephropathy (DN). We used a high glucose (HG)-induced HK-2 cell model and a streptozocin (STZ)-induced Wistar rat model to investigate the effects of TKL on DN, as well as the mechanisms for those effects. Our results showed that TKL significantly increased the viability of HG-treated HK-2 cells and inhibited cell apoptosis. In vivo experiments demonstrated that TKL attenuated STZ-induced histopathological damage and the inflammatory response in rat kidney tissues. Pre-treatment of HK-2 cells or STZ-treated rats with polyinosinic acid (Poly IC), an inhibitor of lectin-like oxLDL receptor 1 (LOX1), blocked the protective effect of TKL against HG- or STZ-induced damage to kidney tissue, indicating that TKL might exert its effect via LOX1-mediated endocytosis. Additional results suggested that TKL inhibits the phosphorylation of IκB kinase β (IKKβ) and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor protein (IκBα), and thereby reduces the nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65). ChIP assay data indicated that TKL markedly inhibits the binding of p65 to the CASP9 gene in HG-treated HK-2 cells, subsequently suppressing transcription of the CASP9 gene. In the dual-luciferase reporter assay, TKL significantly inhibited luciferase activity in cells co-transfected with p65 and a wild-type capase-9 construct instead of mutated caspase-9 constructs.

Taken together, our results show that TKL helps to protect against DN by inhibiting the LOX1/NF-κB/caspase-9 signaling pathway, suggesting TKL as a promising agent for treating DN.
The SLC34A2-ROS-HIF-1-induced up-regulation of EZH2 expression promotes proliferation and chemo-resistance to apoptosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Xu , Xing Junjie , Wang Hantao , Yu Enda
Published: July 2018

Growing evidence has uncovered that SLC34A2 plays an evident role in the progression in several types of tumors. However, the biological function and underlying molecular mechanisms of SLC34A2 remain largely unknown. Here, we indicated that SLC34A2 expression was markedly increased in SW480 and HT29 cell line cells compared with that in normal colorectal epithelial cell line cells. Array analysis displayed that the expression of enhancer of zeste 2 (EZH2) decreased considerably when SLC34A2 was knocked down. We demonstrated that SLC34A2 induced EZH2 expression and activated its promoter activity. Serial 5′ deletion and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the induction of EZH2 expression by SLC34A2 was dependent upon the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1)-2 binding site directly within EZH2 promoter. Moreover, HIF-1 activation was proved essential for SLC34A2-induced EZH2 expression. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation contributed to the stabilization of HIF-1α by leading to the binding of HIF-1α to the EZH2 promoter, which resulted in increased EZH2 expression. Additionally, we showed that the inhibition of both HIF-1α expression and ROS generation by YC-1 or BHA, respectively, decreased SLC34A2-induced EZH2 overexpression. Significantly, SLC34A2-induced EZH2 overexpression promoted the proliferation and chemo-resistance to apoptosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, we conclude that the SLC34A2-ROS-HIF-1-induced overexpression of EZH2 promotes CRC cells proliferation and chemo-resistance to apoptosis. SLC34A2-ROS-HIF-1-EZH2 signaling pathway might serve as a novel therapeutic target against CRC.
Network Pharmacology Uncovers Anticancer Activity of Mammea-Type Coumarins from Calophyllum brasiliense
Authors: Gómez-Verjan Juan , Rivero-Segura Nadia , Estrella-Parra Edgar , Rincón-Heredia Ruth , Madariaga-Mazón Abraham , Flores-Soto Edgar , González-Meljem Mario , Cerbón Marco , Reyes-Chilpa Ricardo
Published: July 2018

Mammea-type coumarins are a particular type of secondary metabolites biosynthesized by the tropical rainforest tree Calophyllum Brasiliense, which is distributed from South America to Mexico. Particularly, mammea A/BA and A/BB (alone or as a mixture) possess biological properties such as cytotoxic and antitumoral activities, however, most of its molecular targets remain unknown. In this context, novel bioinformatic approaches, such as network pharmacology analysis, have been successfully used in herbal medicine to accelerate research in this field, and the support of experimental validations has been shown to be quite robust. In the present study, we performed a network pharmacology analysis to assess the possible molecular biological networks that interact with mammea A/BA and A/BB. Moreover, we validated the most relevant networks experimentally in vitro on K562 cancer cells. The results of the network pharmacology analysis indicate that mammea A/BA and A/BB interacts with cell death, PI3K/AKT, MAPK, Ras, and cancer pathways. The in vitro model shows that mammea A/BA and A/BB induce apoptosis through the overexpression of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bak, disrupt the autophagic flux as seen by the cytosolic accumulation of LC3-II and p62, disrupting the mitochondria ultrastructure and concomitantly increase the intracellular calcium concentration. Additionally, docking analysis predicted a possible interaction with a rapamycin-binding domain of mTOR. In conclusion, we validated network pharmacology analysis and report, for the first time, that mammea A/BA and A/BB coumarins induce apoptosis through the inhibition of the autophagic flux, possibly interacting with mTOR.