bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microtubule-binding protein FOR20 promotes microtubule depolymerization and cell migration
Authors: Feng Sijie , Song Yinlong , Shen Minhong , Xie Shanshan , Li Wenjing , Lu Yi , Yang Yuehong , Ou Guangshuo , Zhou Jun , Wang Fudi , Liu Wei , Yan Xiaoyi , Liang Xin , Zhou Tianhua
Published: September 2017

Microtubules are highly dynamic filaments assembled from αβ-tubulin heterodimers and play important roles in many cellular processes, including cell division and migration. Microtubule dynamics is tightly regulated by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) that function by binding to microtubules or free tubulin dimers. Here, we report that FOR20 (FOP-related protein of 20 kDa), a conserved protein critical for ciliogenesis and cell cycle progression, is a previously uncharacterized MAP that facilitates microtubule depolymerization and promotes cell migration. FOR20 not only directly binds to microtubules but also regulates microtubule dynamics in vitro by decreasing the microtubule growth rate and increasing the depolymerization rate and catastrophe frequency. In the in vitro microtubule dynamics assays, FOR20 appears to preferentially interact with free tubulin dimers over microtubules. Depletion of FOR20 inhibits microtubule depolymerization and promotes microtubule regrowth after the nocodazole treatment in HeLa cells. In addition, FOR20 knockdown significantly inhibits both individual and collective migration of mammalian cells. Taken together, these data suggest that FOR20 functions as a MAP to promote microtubule depolymerization and cell migration.
Controlling selectivities in CO2 reduction through mechanistic understanding
Authors: Wang Xiang , Shi Hui , Szanyi János
Published: September 2017

Catalytic CO2 conversion to energy carriers and intermediates is of utmost importance to energy and environmental goals. However, the lack of fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanism renders designing a selective catalyst inefficient. Here we show the correlation between the kinetics of product formation and those of surface species conversion during CO2 reduction over Pd/Al2O3 catalysts. The operando transmission FTIR/SSITKA (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy/steady-state isotopic transient kinetic analysis) experiments demonstrates that the rate-determining step for CO formation is the conversion of adsorbed formate, whereas that for CH4 formation is the hydrogenation of adsorbed carbonyl. The balance of the hydrogenation kinetics between adsorbed formates and carbonyls governs the selectivities to CH4 and CO. We apply this knowledge to the catalyst design and achieve high selectivities to desired products.
NFATc1 controls the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells
Authors: Klein-Hessling Stefan , Muhammad Khalid , Klein Matthias , Pusch Tobias , Rudolf Ronald , Flöter Jessica , Qureischi Musga , Beilhack Andreas , Vaeth Martin , Kummerow Carsten , Backes Christian , Schoppmeyer Rouven , Hahn Ulrike , Hoth Markus , Bopp Tobias , Berberich-Siebelt Friederike , Patra Amiya , Avots Andris , Müller Nora , Schulze Almut , Serfling Edgar
Published: September 2017

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes are effector CD8+ T cells that eradicate infected and malignant cells. Here we show that the transcription factor NFATc1 controls the cytotoxicity of mouse cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Activation of Nfatc1
−/−
cytotoxic T lymphocytes showed a defective cytoskeleton organization and recruitment of cytosolic organelles to immunological synapses. These cells have reduced cytotoxicity against tumor cells, and mice with NFATc1-deficient T cells are defective in controlling Listeria infection. Transcriptome analysis shows diminished RNA levels of numerous genes in Nfatc1
−/−
CD8+ T cells, including Tbx21, Gzmb and genes encoding cytokines and chemokines, and genes controlling glycolysis. Nfatc1
−/−
, but not Nfatc2
−/−
CD8+ T cells have an impaired metabolic switch to glycolysis, which can be restored by IL-2. Genome-wide ChIP-seq shows that NFATc1 binds many genes that control cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity. Together these data indicate that NFATc1 is an important regulator of cytotoxic T lymphocyte effector functions.
Video intervention increases participation of black breast cancer patients in therapeutic trials
Authors: Robinson Brandi N. , Newman Antoinette F. , Tefera Eshetu , Herbolsheimer Pia , Nunes Raquel , Gallagher Christopher , Randolph-Jackson Pamela , Omogbehin Adedamola , Dilawari Asma , Pohlmann Paula R. , Mohebtash Mahsa , Lee Young , Ottaviano Yvonne , Mohapatra Avani , Lynce Filipa , Brown Richard , Mete Mihriye , Swain Sandra M.
Published: September 2017

There is a striking racial and ethnic disparity in incidence and mortality of cancer yet minorities remain markedly underrepresented in clinical trials. This pilot study set out to determine the impact of a 15-min culturally tailored educational video on three outcomes relating to clinical trials: likely participation, attitudes (assessed based on six barriers), and actual enrollment. Breast cancer patients with Stage I-III, if diagnosed within previous 6 months, or metastatic disease who self-identified as black or African American were invited to participate. The primary outcome measure was the decision to participate in a therapeutic clinical trial after the intervention. Patients’ intention to enroll on a therapeutic clinical trial and the change in attitudes toward clinical trials were measured by the previously developed Attitudes and Intention to Enroll in Therapeutic Clinical Trials (AIET) questionnaire. Of the 200 patients that participated, 39 (19.5%) patients signed consent to participate in a therapeutic clinical trial; 27 (13.5%) patients enrolled, resulting in a 7.5% increase from our baseline comparison of 6% clinical trial enrollment rate in black cancer patients (p < .001). Pre-test versus post-test assessment demonstrated the proportion of patients expressing likelihood to enroll in a therapeutic trial following the intervention increased by 14% (p < .001). Among 31 AIET items, 25 (81%) showed statistically significant and positive change post-intervention. The findings suggest the promising utility of a culturally tailored video intervention for improving black patients’ attitudes regarding clinical trial participation and resultant enrollment. Future efforts should continue to target facilitators of population-specific recruitment, enrollment, and retention in therapeutic and non-therapeutic clinical trials.
Erratum: Restoring heart function and electrical integrity: Closing the circuit
Authors: Monteiro Luís Miguel , Vasques-Nóvoa Francisco , Ferreira Lino , Pinto-do-Ó Perpétua , Nascimento Diana Santos
Published: September 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this article.
Sample space reducing cascading processes produce the full spectrum of scaling exponents
Authors: Corominas-Murtra Bernat , Hanel Rudolf , Thurner Stefan
Published: September 2017

Sample Space Reducing (SSR) processes are simple stochastic processes that offer a new route to understand scaling in path-dependent processes. Here we define a cascading process that generalises the recently defined SSR processes and is able to produce power laws with arbitrary exponents. We demonstrate analytically that the frequency distributions of states are power laws with exponents that coincide with the multiplication parameter of the cascading process. In addition, we show that imposing energy conservation in SSR cascades allows us to recover Fermi’s classic result on the energy spectrum of cosmic rays, with the universal exponent −2, which is independent of the multiplication parameter of the cascade. Applications of the proposed process include fragmentation processes or directed cascading diffusion on networks, such as rumour or epidemic spreading.
Onset of disorder and protein aggregation due to oxidation-induced intermolecular disulfide bonds: case study of RRM2 domain from TDP-43
Authors: Rabdano Sevastyan O. , Izmailov Sergei A. , Luzik Dmitrii A. , Groves Adam , Podkorytov Ivan S. , Skrynnikov Nikolai R.
Published: September 2017

We have investigated the behavior of second RNA-recognition motif (RRM2) of neuropathological protein TDP43 under the effect of oxidative stress as modeledin vitro. Toward this end we have used the specially adapted version of H/D exchange experiment, NMR relaxation and diffusion measurements, dynamic light scattering, controlled proteolysis, gel electrophoresis, site-directed mutagenesis and microsecond MD simulations. Under oxidizing conditions RRM2 forms disulfide-bonded dimers that experience unfolding and then assemble into aggregate particles (APs). These particles are strongly disordered, highly inhomogeneous and susceptible to proteolysis; some of them withstand the dithiothreitol treatment. They can recruit/release monomeric RRM2 through thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. By using a combination of dynamic light scattering and NMR diffusion data we were able to approximate the size distribution function for the APs. The key to the observed aggregation behavior is the diminished ability of disulfide-bonded RRM2 dimers to refold and their increased propensity to misfold, which makes them vulnerable to large thermal fluctuations. The emerging picture provides detailed insight on how oxidative stress can contribute to neurodegenerative disease, with unfolding, aggregation, and proteolytic cleavage as different facets of the process.
Effects of purified or plant-produced Cry proteins on Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) larvae
Authors: Haller Simone , Romeis Jörg , Meissle Michael
Published: September 2017

Although genetically engineered crops producing insecticidal Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are grown worldwide, few studies cover effects of Bt crops or Cry proteins on dipteran species in an agricultural context. We tested the toxicity of six purified Cry proteins and of Bt cotton and Bt maize tissue on Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) as a surrogate for decomposing Diptera. ELISA confirmed the presence of Cry proteins in plant material, artificial diet, and fly larvae, and concentrations were estimated. Median concentrations in emerging adult flies were below the limit of detection. Bioactivity of purified Cry proteins in the diet was confirmed by sensitive species assays using Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Purified Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1B, Cry1C, Cry1F, or Cry2Aa, or leaf material from stacked Bt cotton (Bollgard II producing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab) or Bt maize (SmartStax producing Cry1A.105, Cry1Fa2, Cry2Ab2, Cry3Bb1, Cry34Ab1 and Cry35Ab1) had no consistent effects on D. melanogaster survival, developmental time, adult body mass or morphometrics. However, D. melanogaster showed longer developmental time and smaller wing size when fed with cotton leaves from plants infested with H. virescens caterpillars compared to flies fed with leaves from uninfested plants, while no such effects were obvious for maize.
Intrinsic property of phenylalanine to trigger protein aggregation and hemolysis has a direct relevance to phenylketonuria
Authors: Anand Bibin G. , Dubey Kriti , Shekhawat Dolat S. , Kar Karunakar
Published: September 2017

Excess accumulation of phenylalanine is the characteristic of untreated Phenylketonuria (PKU), a well-known genetic abnormality, which triggers several neurological, physical and developmental severities. However, the fundamental mechanism behind the origin of such diverse health problems, particularly the issue of how they are related to the build-up of phenylalanine molecules in the body, is largely unknown. Here, we show cross-seeding ability of phenylalanine fibrils that can effectively initiate an aggregation process in proteins under physiological conditions, converting native protein structures to β-sheet assembly. The resultant fibrils were found to cause severe hemolysis, yielding a plethora of deformed erythrocytes that is highly relevant to phenylketonuria. Unique arrangement of zwitterionic phenylalanine molecules in their amyloid-like higher order entities is predicted to promote both hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction, sufficient enough to trap proteins and to preferentially interact with the membrane components of RBCs. Since the prevalence of hemolysis and amyloid related psychoneurological severities are mostly observed in PKU patients, we propose that the inherent property of phenylalanine fibrils to trigger hemolysis and to induce protein aggregation may have direct relevance to the disease mechanism of PKU.
Complex dynamics at the nanoscale in simple biomembranes
Authors: Sarangi Nirod Kumar , Ayappa K. G. , Basu Jaydeep Kumar
Published: September 2017

Nature is known to engineer complex compositional and dynamical platforms in biological membranes. Understanding this complex landscape requires techniques to simultaneously detect membrane re-organization and dynamics at the nanoscale. Using super-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy coupled with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), we reveal direct experimental evidence of dynamic heterogeneity at the nanoscale in binary phospholipid-cholesterol bilayers. Domain formation on the length scale of ~200–600 nm due to local cholesterol compositional heterogeneity is found to be more prominent at high cholesterol content giving rise to distinct intra-domain lipid dynamics. STED-FCS reveals unique dynamical crossover phenomena at length scales of ~100–150 nm within each of these macroscopic regions. The extent of dynamic heterogeneity due to intra-domain hindered lipid diffusion as reflected from the crossover length scale, is driven by cholesterol packing and organization, uniquely influenced by phospholipid type. These results on simple binary model bilayer systems provide novel insights into pathways leading to the emergence of complex nanodomain substructures with implications for a wide variety of membrane mediated cellular events.
The quantum-optics Hamiltonian in the Multipolar gauge
Authors: Rousseau Emmanuel , Felbacq Didier
Published: September 2017

This article deals with the fundamental problem of light-matter interaction in the quantum theory. Although it is described through the vector potential in quantum electrodynamics, it is believed by some that a hamiltonian involving only the electric and the magnetic fields is preferable. In the literature this hamiltonian is known as the Power-Zienau-Woolley hamiltonian. We question its validity and show that it is not equivalent to the minimal-coupling hamiltonian. In this article, we show that these two hamiltonians are not connected through a gauge transformation. We find that the gauge is not fixed in the Power-Zienau-Woolley hamiltonian. The interaction term is written in one gauge whereas the rest of the hamiltonian is written in another gauge. The Power-Zienau-Woolley hamiltonian and the minimal-coupling one are related through a unitary transformation that does not fulfill the gauge fixing constraints. Consequently, they predict different physical results. In this letter, we provide the correct quantum theory in the multipolar gauge with a hamiltonian involving only the physical fields.
Preparation of porous Fe2O3 nanorods-reduced graphene oxide nanohybrids and their excellent microwave absorption properties
Authors: Hu Qi , Qi Xiaosi , Cai Hongbo , Xie Ren , Long Liu , Bai Zhongchen , Jiang Yang , Qin Shuijie , Zhong Wei , Du Youwei
Published: September 2017

In this paper, α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs)-reduced graphene oxide (RGO), α-FeOOH nanorods (NRs)-RGO and porous α-Fe2O3 NRs-RGO could be selectively synthesized by hydrothermal method. The investigations indicated that the obtained α-Fe2O3 NPs, α-FeOOH NRs and porous α-Fe2O3 NRs were either attached on the surface of RGO sheets or coated uniformly by the RGO sheets. And the as-prepared nanohybrids exhibited excellent microwave absorption performance, which was proved to be ascribed to the quarter-wavelength matching model. The optimum reflection loss (RL) values for α-Fe2O3 NPs-RGO, α-FeOOH NRs-RGO and porous α-Fe2O3 NRs-RGO were ca. −32.3, −37.4 and −71.4 dB, respectively. Moreover, compared to the obtained α-Fe2O3 NPs-RGO and α-FeOOH NRs-RGO, the as-prepared porous α-Fe2O3 NRs-RGO nanohybrids exhibited enhanced microwave absorption properties because of their special structure and synergetic effect. The possible enhanced microwave absorption mechanisms were discussed in details. Our results confirmed that the geometrical morphology had a great influence on their microwave absorption properties, which provided a promising approach to exploit high performance microwave absorbing materials.
Separability of neural responses to standardised mechanical stimulation of limbs
Authors: Brunton Emma , Blau Christoph W. , Nazarpour Kianoush
Published: September 2017

Considerable scientific and technological efforts are currently being made towards the development of neural prostheses. Understanding how the peripheral nervous system responds to electro-mechanical stimulation of the limb, will help to inform the design of prostheses that can restore function or accelerate recovery from injury to the sensory motor system. However, due to differences in experimental protocols, it is difficult, if not impossible, to make meaningful comparisons between different peripheral nerve interfaces. Therefore, we developed a low-cost electronic system to standardise the mechanical stimulation of a rat’s hindpaw. Three types of mechanical stimulations, namely, proprioception, touch and nociception were delivered to the limb and the electroneurogram signals were recorded simultaneously from the sciatic nerve with a 16-contact cuff electrode. For the first time, results indicate separability of neural responses according to stimulus type as well as intensity. Statistical analysis reveal that cuff contacts placed circumferentially, rather than longitudinally, are more likely to lead to higher classification rates. This flexible setup may be readily adapted for systematic comparison of various electrodes and mechanical stimuli in rodents. Hence, we have made its electro-mechanical design and computer programme available online
Cortisol overproduction results from DNA methylation of CYP11B1 in hypercortisolemia
Authors: Kometani Mitsuhiro , Yoneda Takashi , Demura Masashi , Koide Hiroshi , Nishimoto Koshiro , Mukai Kuniaki , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E. , Akagi Tadayuki , Yokota Takashi , Horike Shin-ichi , Karashima Shigehiro , Miyamori Isamu , Yamagishi Masakazu , Takeda Yoshiyu
Published: September 2017

Adrenocortical hormone excess, due to primary aldosteronism (PA) or hypercortisolemia, causes hypertension and cardiovascular complications. In PA, hypomethylation of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) is associated with aldosterone overproduction. However, in hypercortisolemia, the role of DNA methylation of 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1), which catalyzes cortisol biosynthesis and is highly homologous to CYP11B2, is unclear. The aims of our study were to determine whether the CYP11B1 expression was regulated through DNA methylation in hypercortisolemia with cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA), and to investigate a possible relationship between DNA methylation and somatic mutations identified in CPA. Methylation analysis showed that the CYP11B1 promoter was significantly less methylated in CPA than in adjacent unaffected adrenal tissue and white blood cells. Furthermore, in CPA with somatic mutations in either the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PRKACA) or the guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit alpha (GNAS) gene, the CYP11B1 promoter was significantly hypomethylated. In addition, DNA methylation reduced CYP11B1 promoter activity using a reporter assay. Our study results suggest that DNA methylation at the CYP11B1 promoter plays a role in the regulation of CYP11B1 expression and cortisol production in CPA, and that somatic mutations associated with CPA reduce DNA methylation at the CYP11B1 promoter.
Thrombin-derived host defence peptide modulates neutrophil rolling and migration in vitro and functional response in vivo
Authors: Lim Chun Hwee , Puthia Manoj , Butrym Marta , Tay Hui Min , Lee Michelle Zi Yi , Hou Han Wei , Schmidtchen Artur
Published: September 2017

Host defence peptides (HDPs) derived from the C-terminus of thrombin are proteolytically generated by enzymes released during inflammation and wounding. In this work, we studied the effects of the prototypic peptide GKY25 (GKYGFYTHVFRLKKWIQKVIDQFGE), on neutrophil functions.In vitro, GKY25 was shown to decrease LPS-induced neutrophil activation. In addition, the peptide induced CD62L shedding on neutrophils without inducing their activation. Correspondingly, GKY25-treated neutrophils showed reduced attachment and rolling behaviour on surfaces coated with the CD62L ligand E-selectin. The GKY25-treated neutrophils also displayed a dampened chemotactic response against the chemokine IL-8. Furthermore,in vivo, mice treated with GKY25 exhibited a reduced local ROS response against LPS. Taken together, our results show that GKY25 can modulate neutrophil functionsin vitroandin vivo.
Recycling of a selectable marker with a self-excisable plasmid in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Li Cheng , Lin Ying , Zheng Xueyun , Yuan Qingyan , Pang Nuo , Liao Xihao , Huang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xinying , Liang Shuli
Published: September 2017

Pichia pastorisis a widely used heterologous protein production workhorse. However, with its multiple genetic modifications to solve bottlenecks for heterologous protein productivity,P. pastorislacks selectable markers. Existing selectable marker recycling plasmids have drawbacks (e.g., slow growth and conditional lethality). Here, zeocin-resistance marker recycling vectors were constructed using the Cre/loxPrecombination system. The vectors were used to (i) knock in heterologous phytase, xylanase and lipase expression cassettes, (ii) increase the phytase, xylanase and lipase gene copy number to 13, 5, and 5, respectively, with vector introduction and (iii) engineer the secretion pathway by co-overexpressing secretion helper factors (Sly1p and Sec1p) without introducing selectable markers, giving a phytase field of 0.833 g/L. The vectors allow selectable marker recycling and would be a useful tool to engineerP. pastorisfor high heterologous protein productivity.
An embryonic system to assess direct and indirect Wnt transcriptional targets
Authors: Suresh Jahnavi , Harmston Nathan , Lim Ka Keat , Kaur Prameet , Jin Helen Jingshu , Lusk Jay B. , Petretto Enrico , Tolwinski Nicholas S.
Published: September 2017

During animal development, complex signals determine and organize a vast number of tissues using a very small number of signal transduction pathways. These developmental signaling pathways determine cell fates through a coordinated transcriptional response that remains poorly understood. The Wnt pathway is involved in a variety of these cellular functions, and its signals are transmitted in part through a β-catenin/TCF transcriptional complex. Here we report an in vivo Drosophila assay that can be used to distinguish between activation, de-repression and repression of transcriptional responses, separating upstream and downstream pathway activation and canonical/non-canonical Wnt signals in embryos. We find specific sets of genes downstream of both β-catenin and TCF with an additional group of genes regulated by Wnt, while the non-canonical Wnt4 regulates a separate cohort of genes. We correlate transcriptional changes with phenotypic outcomes of cell differentiation and embryo size, showing our model can be used to characterize developmental signaling compartmentalization in vivo.
Laser-Induced Linear-Field Particle Acceleration in Free Space
Authors: Wong Liang Jie , Hong Kyung-Han , Carbajo Sergio , Fallahi Arya , Piot Philippe , Soljačić Marin , Joannopoulos John D. , Kärtner Franz X. , Kaminer Ido
Published: September 2017

Linear-field particle acceleration in free space (which is distinct from geometries like the linac that requires components in the vicinity of the particle) has been studied for over 20 years, and its ability to eventually produce high-quality, high energy multi-particle bunches has remained a subject of great interest. Arguments can certainly be made that linear-field particle acceleration in free space is very doubtful given that first-order electron-photon interactions are forbidden in free space. Nevertheless, we chose to develop an accurate and truly predictive theoretical formalism to explore this remote possibility when intense, few-cycle electromagnetic pulses are used in a computational experiment. The formalism includes exact treatment of Maxwell’s equations and exact treatment of the interaction among the multiple individual particles at near and far field. Several surprising results emerge. We find that electrons interacting with intense laser pulses in free space are capable of gaining substantial amounts of energy that scale linearly with the field amplitude. For example, 30 keV electrons (2.5% energy spread) are accelerated to 61 MeV (0.5% spread) and to 205 MeV (0.25% spread) using 250 mJ and 2.5 J lasers respectively. These findings carry important implications for our understanding of ultrafast electron-photon interactions in strong fields.
The combined effect of cigarette smoking and occupational noise exposure on hearing loss: evidence from the Dongfeng-Tongji Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Dongming , Wang Zhichao , Zhou Min , Li Wenzhen , He Meian , Zhang Xiaomin , Guo Huan , Yuan Jing , Zhan Yue , Zhang Kun , Zhou Tao , Kong Weijia , Chen Weihong
Published: September 2017

Combined effect of cigarette smoking and occupational noise exposure on hearing loss has rarely been evaluated among Chinese population, especially among females. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 11196 participants of Dongfeng-Tongji cohort study. Smoking status was self-reported through questionnaire and occupational noise exposure was evaluated through workplace noise level and/or the job titles. Hearing loss was defined as a pure-tone mean of 25 dB or higher at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz in both ears. Compared with participants without occupational noise exposure, the risk of hearing loss was significantly higher for noise exposure duration ≥20 (OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.28–1.65). The association was particularly evident among individuals who were males (OR = 1.74, 95%CI = 1.45–2.08) and aged ≥ 70 (OR = 1.74, 95%CI = 1.30–2.33). Similarly, the risks increased with the increasing of pack-years in males and all age groups except for those aged <60. As to the combined effect, the hearing loss risk was highest for noise exposure duration ≥20 and pack-years ≥25 (OR = 2.41, 95%CI = 1.78–3.28), especially among males (OR = 2.42, 95%CI = 1.74–3.37) and those aged ≥70 (OR = 2.76, 95%CI = 1.36–5.60). Smoking may be an independent risk factor for hearing loss. And it may synergistically affect hearing when combined with occupational noise exposure, especially among males and older participants.
Unique diversity of radioactive particles found in the Yenisei River floodplain
Authors: Bolsunovsky Alexander , Melgunov Mikhail , Chuguevskii Alexey , Lind Ole Christian , Salbu Brit
Published: September 2017

The long-term operation of three reactors and the radiochemical plant of the Mining-and-Chemical Combine (MCC), Russia’s largest producer of weapons-grade plutonium, has resulted in radioactive contamination of the Yenisei River floodplain. From 1995 to 2016, we found more than 200 radioactive particles (RP) in the Yenisei floodplain, downstream of the MCC. Analytical characterization showed that most of the RP were fuel particles, which were carried into the river after incidents at the MCC reactors. Having compared the 137Cs/134Cs ratios in the particles, we determined three time intervals when the RP were formed. The plutonium isotope ratios (238Pu/239,240Pu) vary substantially between the particles and indicate several different source terms. In addition to fuel RP, we found particles that only contained activation products (60Co or europium isotopes). SEM and γ-spectrometry showed that the cobalt particles could have originated from the corrosion of the reactor coolant system and the europium particles – from the damaged compensating rods. No europium particles have been found anywhere else in the world. The presence of RP from different sources (fuel, cobalt, and europium particles) in the Yenisei River floodplain makes this region a unique site for studying environmental effects of the particles. These RP represent point sources of radioecological significance.
JinqiJiangtang tablets for pre-diabetes: A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wang Hui , Guo Liping , Shang Hongcai , Ren Ming , Wang Xuemei , Wang Dehui , Chen Jianzong , Li Shuanglei , Chen Liming , Wang Yue , Liu Zhi , Zhai Jingbo , Song Yuzhen , Cao Hongbo , Zhang Junhua , Liu Chunxiang , Sun Xiao , Huo Da , Mu Wei , Zhang Li , Zheng Wenke , Yan Xiaoyan , Yao Chen
Published: September 2017

This study observed the efficacy and safety of JinqiJiangtang tablets (JQJT tablets, a traditional Chinese patent medicine) for pre-diabetes. Four hundred patients with pre-diabetes at five centres were treated for 12months and followed for an additional 12months to investigate the preventative effects of JQJT tablets (Registration ID: ChiCTR-PRC-09000401). The incidence rate of diabetes mellitus was the primary endpoint. The risk of converting from pre-diabetes to diabetes was 0.58-fold less in the JQJT tablets group than in the placebo group [HR (95% CI): 0.58 (0.384, 0.876), P = 0.010]. Furthermore, the probability of achieving normalized blood glucose was 1.41-fold greater in the JQJT tablets group than in the placebo group [HR (95% CI): 1.41 (1.002, 1.996), P = 0.0049]. ITT analysis revealed that the incidence of diabetes upon treatment completion was 16.5% in the JQJT tablets group compared with 28.9% in the control group. The percentage of patients with normalized blood glucose upon 12-month intervention was 41.8% in the JQJT tablets group compared with 27.8% in the control group. JQJT tablets could be an effective intervention for preventative treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Identification of endoxylanase XynE from Clostridium thermocellum as the first xylanase of glycoside hydrolase family GH141
Authors: Heinze Simon , Mechelke Matthias , Kornberger Petra , Liebl Wolfgang , Schwarz Wolfgang H. , Zverlov Vladimir V.
Published: September 2017

Enzymes that cleave polysaccharides in lignocellulose, i. e., cellulases, xylanases, and accessory enzymes, play crucial roles in the natural decomposition of plant-derived biomass and its efficient and sustainable processing into biofuels or other bulk chemicals. The analysis of open reading frame cthe_2195 from the thermophilic, cellulolytic anaerobeClostridium thermocellum(also known as‘Ruminiclostridium thermocellum’) suggested that it encoded a cellulosomal protein comprising a dockerin-I module, a carbohydrate-binding module, and a module of previously unknown function. The biochemical characterisation upon recombinant expression inEscherichia colirevealed that the protein is a thermostable endoxylanase, named Xyn141E with an optimal pH of 6.0–6.5 and a temperature optimum of 67–75 °C. The substrate spectrum of Xyn141E resembles that of GH10 xylanases, because of its side activities on carboxymethyl cellulose, barley β-glucan, and mannan. Conversely, the product spectrum of Xyn141E acting on arabinoxylan is similar to those of GH11, as established by HPAEC-PAD analysis. Xyn141E is weakly related (20.7% amino acid sequence identity) to the founding member of the recently established GH family 141 and is the first xylanase in this new family of biomass-degrading enzymes.
Soluble HLA-associated peptide from PSF1 has a cancer vaccine potency
Authors: Yoshida Mari , Ishioka Yukichi , Ozawa Takamasa , Okuyama Hirohisa , Iguchi Motofumi , Ota Takeshi , Ito Takaomi , Nagira Morio , Morita Atsushi , Tanaka Hidekazu , Naito Hisamichi , Kidoya Hiroyasu , Takakura Nobuyuki
Published: September 2017

Partner of sld five 1 (PSF1) is an evolutionary conserved DNA replication factor involved in DNA replication in lower species, which is strongly expressed in normal stem cell populations and progenitor cell populations. Recently, we have investigated PSF1 functions in cancer cells and found that PSF1 plays a significant role in tumour growth. These findings provide initial evidence for the potential of PSF1 as a therapeutic target. Here, we reveal that PSF1 contains an immunogenic epitope suitable for an antitumour vaccine. We analysed PSF1 peptides eluted from affinity-purified human leukocyte antigen (HLA) by mass spectrometry and identified PSF179–87peptide (YLYDRLLRI) that has the highest prediction score using anin silicoalgorithm. PSF179–87peptide induced PSF1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses such as the production of interferon-γ and cytotoxicity. Because PSF1 is expressed in cancer cell populations and highly expressed in cancer stem cell populations, these data suggest that vaccination with PSF179–87peptide may be a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Idiopathic male infertility and polymorphisms in the DNA methyltransferase genes involved in epigenetic marking
Authors: Tang Qiuqin , Chen Yiqiu , Wu Wei , Ding Hongjuan , Xia Yankai , Chen Daozhen , Wang Xinru
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between male infertility and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) genes (DNMT3B: rs2424909, DNMT1: rs4804490, DNMT3A: rs1550117 and DNMT3L: rs7354779). Eight hundred and thirty three idiopathic infertile males and four hundred and ten fertile controls from the hospitals affiliated to Nanjing Medical University between 2010 and 2012 were recruited in the study. We demonstrated a significantly increased risk of idiopathic infertility with abnormal semen parameters in association with the heterozygous genotype of variant rs4804490. Moreover, the AA genotype of variant rs4804490 was associated with significantly decreased risk for male infertility with abnormal semen parameters. A decreased risk of idiopathic infertility with abnormal semen parameters was associated with the homozygous genotype of variant rs2424909. These results suggested that variants in different DNMT genes have different relationships with idiopathic male infertility, and Chinese men carrying these variants have an increased or decreased risk of abnormal semen parameters.
Generation of octave-spanning mid-infrared pulses from cascaded second-order nonlinear processes in a single crystal
Authors: Yin Yanchun , Ren Xiaoming , Chew Andrew , Li Jie , Wang Yang , Zhuang Fengjiang , Wu Yi , Chang Zenghu
Published: September 2017

We report on experimental generation of a 6.8 μJ laser pulse spanning from 1.8 to 4.2 μm from cascaded second-order nonlinear processes in a 0.4-mm BiB3O6 (BIBO) crystal. The nonlinear processes are initiated by intra-pulse difference frequency generation (DFG) using spectrally broadened Ti:Sapphire spectrum, followed by optical parametric amplification (OPA) of the DFG pulse. The highest energy, 12.6 μJ, is achieved in a 0.8-mm BIBO crystal with a spectrum spanning from 1.8 to 3.5 μm. Such cascaded nonlinear processes are enabled by the broadband pump and the coincident phase matching angle of DFG and OPA. The spectrum is initiated from the DFG process and is thus expected to have passive stable carrier-envelope phase, which can be used to seed either a chirped pulse amplifier (CPA) or an optical parametric chirped pulse amplifier (OPCPA) for achieving high-energy few-cycle mid-infrared pulses. Such cascaded second-order nonlinear processes can be found in many other crystals such as KTA, which can extend wavelengths further into mid-infrared. We achieved a 0.8 μJ laser pulse spanning from 2.2 to 5.0 μm in KTA.
Impact of protein O-GlcNAcylation on neural tube malformation in diabetic embryopathy
Authors: Kim Gyuyoup , Cao Lixue , Reece E. Albert , Zhao Zhiyong
Published: September 2017

Diabetes mellitus in early pregnancy can cause neural tube defects (NTDs) in embryos by perturbing protein activity, causing cellular stress, and increasing programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the tissues required for neurulation. Hyperglycemia augments a branch pathway in glycolysis, the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), to increase uridine diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc). GlcNAc can be added to proteins by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) to regulate protein activity. In the embryos of diabetic mice, OGT is highly activated in association with increases in global protein O-GlcNAcylation. In neural stem cells in vitro, high glucose elevates O-GlcNAcylation and reactive oxygen species, but the elevations can be suppressed by an OGT inhibitor. Inhibition of OGT in diabetic pregnant mice in vivo decreases NTD rate in the embryos. This effect is associated with reduction in global O-GlcNAcylation, alleviation of intracellular stress, and decreases in apoptosis in the embryos. These suggest that OGT plays an important role in diabetic embryopathy via increasing protein O-GlcNAcylation, and that inhibiting OGT could be a candidate approach to prevent birth defects in diabetic pregnancies.
Understanding of multi-level resistive switching mechanism in GeOx through redox reaction in H2O2/sarcosine prostate cancer biomarker detection
Authors: Samanta Subhranu , Rahaman Sheikh Ziaur , Roy Anisha , Jana Surajit , Chakrabarti Somsubhra , Panja Rajeswar , Roy Sourav , Dutta Mrinmoy , Ginnaram Sreekanth , Prakash Amit , Maikap Siddheswar , Cheng Hsin-Ming , Tsai Ling-Na , Qiu Jian-Tai , Ray Samit K.
Published: September 2017

Formation-free multi-level resistive switching characteristics by using 10 nm-thick polycrystalline GeOx film in a simple W/GeOx/W structure and understanding of switching mechanism through redox reaction in H2O2/sarcosine sensing (or changing Ge°/Ge4+ oxidation states under external bias) have been reported for the first time. Oxidation states of Ge0/Ge4+ are confirmed by both XPS and H2O2 sensing of GeOx membrane in electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structure. Highly repeatable 1000 dc cycles and stable program/erase (P/E) endurance of >106 cycles at a small pulse width of 100 ns are achieved at a low operation current of 0.1 µA. The thickness of GeOx layer is found to be increased to 12.5 nm with the reduction of polycrystalline grain size of <7 nm after P/E of 106 cycles, which is observed by high-resolution TEM. The switching mechanism is explored through redox reaction in GeOx membrane by sensing 1 nM H2O2, which is owing to the change of oxidation states from Ge0 to Ge4+ because of the enhanced O2− ions migration in memory device under external bias. In addition, sarcosine as a prostate cancer biomarker with low concentration of 50 pM to 10 µM is also detected.
A signal-on built in-marker electrochemical aptasensor for human prostate-specific antigen based on a hairbrush-like gold nanostructure
Authors: Sattarahmady Naghmeh , Rahi Amid , Heli Hossein
Published: September 2017

A green electrodeposition method was firstly employed for the synthesis of round hairbrush-like gold nanostructure in the presence of cadaverine as a size and shape directing additive. The nanostructure which comprised of arrays of nanospindles was then applied as a transducer to fabricate a signal-on built in-marker electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of human prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The aptasensor detected PSA with a linear concentration range of 0.125 to 128 ng mL−1 and a limit of detection of 50 pg mL−1. The aptasensor was then successfully applied to detect PSA in the blood serum samples of healthy and patient persons.
Advancing The Cancer Genome Atlas glioma MRI collections with expert segmentation labels and radiomic features
Authors: Bakas Spyridon , Akbari Hamed , Sotiras Aristeidis , Bilello Michel , Rozycki Martin , Kirby Justin S. , Freymann John B. , Farahani Keyvan , Davatzikos Christos
Published: September 2017

Gliomas belong to a group of central nervous system tumors, and consist of various sub-regions. Gold standard labeling of these sub-regions in radiographic imaging is essential for both clinical and computational studies, including radiomic and radiogenomic analyses. Towards this end, we release segmentation labels and radiomic features for all pre-operative multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (n=243) of the multi-institutional glioma collections of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), publicly available in The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). Pre-operative scans were identified in both glioblastoma (TCGA-GBM, n=135) and low-grade-glioma (TCGA-LGG, n=108) collections via radiological assessment. The glioma sub-region labels were produced by an automated state-of-the-art method and manually revised by an expert board-certified neuroradiologist. An extensive panel of radiomic features was extracted based on the manually-revised labels. This set of labels and features should enable i) direct utilization of the TCGA/TCIA glioma collections towards repeatable, reproducible and comparative quantitative studies leading to new predictive, prognostic, and diagnostic assessments, as well as ii) performance evaluation of computer-aided segmentation methods, and comparison to our state-of-the-art method.
Sensitive detection of microRNAs by duplex specific nuclease-assisted target recycling and pyrene excimer switching
Authors: Ma Fei , Liu Wen-jing , Zhang Qianyi , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: September 2017

Herein, we develop a sensitive fluorescence method for microRNA assay based on duplex specific nuclease-assisted target recycling and pyrene excimer switching.
Nickel(ii) metal–organic frameworks with N,N′-di(4-pyridyl)-naphthalenediimide ligands: influence of secondary building unit geometry on dimensionality and framework dimensions
Authors: Pfeiffer Constance R. , Biggins Naomi , Lewis William , Champness Neil R.
Published: September 2017

The influence of intermolecular interactions and metal coordination geometry on MOF framework dimensions are discussed.
A lipophilic ionic liquid based on formamidinium cations and TFSI: the electric response and the effect of CO2 on the conductivity mechanism
Authors: Bertasi Federico , Giffin Guinevere A. , Vezzù Keti , Pace Giuseppe , Abu-Lebdeh Yaser , Armand Michel , Di Noto Vito
Published: September 2017

A new lipophilic ionic liquid tetraoctyl-formamidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (TOFATFSI) has been synthesized and its interactions with a highly apolar environment of CO2 are shown.
Effect of Cr-doping on the electronic structure and work function of α-Fe2O3 thin films
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Chen Li , Liu Hongmei , Mi Zhishan , Shi Changmin , Qiao Lijie
Published: September 2017

Doping of Cr atoms in α-Fe2O3 films greatly enhances the work function, benefiting the protection of steel from corrosion.
A new insight for ohmic contacts to MoS2: by tuning MoS2 affinity energies but not metal work-functions
Authors: Wang Qian , Deng Bei , Shi Xingqiang
Published: September 2017

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have recently attracted tremendous interest for fundamental studies and applications.
Unified elucidation of the entropy-driven and -opposed hydrophobic effects
Authors: Kinoshita Masahiro , Hayashi Tomohiko
Published: September 2017

The association of nonpolar solutes is generally believed to be entropy driven, which has been shown to be true for the contact of small molecules, ellipsoids, and plates.
Rate constants for H abstraction from benzo(a)pyrene and chrysene: a theoretical study
Authors: Semenikhin A. S. , Savchenkova A. S. , Chechet I. V. , Matveev S. G. , Liu Z. , Frenklach M. , Mebel A. M.
Published: September 2017

A theoretical study of H abstraction reactions from benzo[a]pyrene and chrysene shows differences in kinetic effectiveness of various radicals and a clear distinction between zigzag and armchair edges.
Measurement of reaction kinetics of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE using a microfluidic system
Authors: Liu Z. , Schaap K. S. , Ballemans L. , de Zanger R. , de Blois E. , Rohde M. , Oehlke E.
Published: September 2017

Design and evaluation of a microfluidic system that allowed the determination of Arrhenius parameters for the formation of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE using clinical radiolabeling conditions.
Folic acid on iron oxide nanoparticles: platform with high potential for simultaneous targeting, MRI detection and hyperthermia treatment of lymph node metastases of prostate cancer
Authors: Bonvin Debora , Bastiaansen Jessica A. M. , Stuber Matthias , Hofmann Heinrich , Mionić Ebersold Marijana
Published: September 2017

Folic acid directly bound to the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles with simultaneously high targeting, MRI relaxivity and heating efficacy.
Fluorite-type coordination compound as iodide ion conductor: crystal structure and ionic conductivity
Authors: Chen Xin , Xue Chen , Liu Shao-Xian , Liu Jian-Lan , Yao Zhi-Yuan , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: September 2017

Fluorite-type coordination compound [Mn(en)3]I2, as a new type of iodide ion conductor, shows higher ion conductivity.
Thermal conductivity of a perovskite-type metal–organic framework crystal
Authors: Gunatilleke Wilarachchige D. C. B. , Wei Kaya , Niu Zheng , Wojtas Lukasz , Nolas George , Ma Shengqian
Published: September 2017

The thermal conductivity of a perovskite-type MOF crystal has been investigated for the first time.
SbVO4 nanoparticles synthesized via three facile one-pot methods: controllable morphologies and superhydrophobic coatings
Authors: Liu Ximeng , Yang Xiaojuan , Li Feng , Li Taohai , Cao Wei
Published: September 2017

Novel superhydrophobic surfaces were fabricated by easy drop-casting of SbVO4 nanoparticles (synthesized via three different facile methods) on glass, exhibiting excellent superhydrophobicity whether under corrosion environment or not.
Standardisation of a European measurement method for organic carbon and elemental carbon in ambient air: results of the field trial campaign and the determination of a measurement uncertainty and working range
Authors: Brown Richard J. C. , Beccaceci Sonya , Butterfield David M. , Quincey Paul G. , Harris Peter M. , Maggos Thomas , Panteliadis Pavlos , John Astrid , Jedynska Aleksandra , Kuhlbusch Thomas A. J. , Putaud Jean-Philippe , Karanasiou Angeliki
Published: September 2017

A standard method for measurements of organic carbon and elemental carbon has been produced.
Vitamin C protects piglet liver against zearalenone-induced oxidative stress by modulating expression of nuclear receptors PXR and CAR and their target genes
Authors: Shi Baoming , Su Yang , Chang Siying , Sun Yuchen , Meng Xiangyu , Shan Anshan
Published: September 2017

Zearalenone (ZEN), a common mycotoxin found in human food and animal feed, is effectively detoxified by vitamin C by modulation of the nuclear receptor signaling pathway.
Comparison of signal intensities and elemental fractionation in 257 nm femtosecond LA-ICP-MS using He and Ar as carrier gases
Authors: Luo Tao , Ni Qian , Hu Zhaochu , Zhang Wen , Shi Quanhui , Günther Detlef , Liu Yongsheng , Zong Keqing , Hu Shenghong
Published: September 2017

A He–Ar mixture is more suitable as an aerosol carrier gas than pure He or Ar for femtosecond LA-ICP-MS analysis.
Translucent nanoparticle-based aerogel monoliths as 3-dimensional photocatalysts for the selective photoreduction of CO2 to methanol in a continuous flow reactor
Authors: Rechberger Felix , Niederberger Markus
Published: September 2017

A newly developed prototype of a flow reactor enables the exploitation of nanoparticle based aerogel monoliths as macroscopically sized photocatalysts in gas phase reactions.
A label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles and graphene oxide for the detection of tumor marker calcitonin
Authors: Alarfaj Nawal A. , El-Tohamy Maha F.
Published: September 2017

A label-free ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor has been designed for the detection of calcitonin, a medullary thyroid carcinoma tumor marker.
An ortho C-methylation/O-glycosylation motif on a hydroxy-coumarin scaffold, selectively installed by biocatalysis
Authors: Gutmann Alexander , Schiller Margaretha , Gruber-Khadjawi Mandana , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: September 2017

To achieve near quantitative dual modification of the hydroxy-coumarin scaffold, theC-methylation had to occur strictly before theO-glucosylation.