bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppressing IL-36-driven inflammation using peptide pseudosubstrates for neutrophil proteases
Authors: Sullivan Graeme P. , Henry Conor M. , Clancy Danielle M. , Mametnabiev Tazhir , Belotcerkovskaya Ekaterina , Davidovich Pavel , Sura-Trueba Sylvia , Garabadzhiu Alexander V. , Martin Seamus J.
Published: March 2018

Sterile inflammation is initiated by molecules released from necrotic cells, called damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Members of the extended IL-1 cytokine family are important DAMPs, are typically only released through necrosis, and require limited proteolytic processing for activation. The IL-1 family cytokines, IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ, are expressed as inactive precursors and have been implicated as key initiators of psoriatic-type skin inflammation. We have recently found that IL-36 family cytokines are proteolytically processed and activated by the neutrophil granule-derived proteases, elastase, and cathepsin G. Inhibitors of IL-36 processing may therefore have utility as anti-inflammatory agents through suppressing activation of the latter cytokines. We have identified peptide-based pseudosubstrates for cathepsin G and elastase, based on optimal substrate cleavage motifs, which can antagonize activation of all three IL-36 family cytokines by the latter proteases. Human psoriatic skin plaques displayed elevated IL-36β processing activity that could be antagonized by peptide pseudosubstrates specific for cathepsin G. Thus, antagonists of neutrophil-derived proteases may have therapeutic potential for blocking activation of IL-36 family cytokines in inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis.
Inhibition of the Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway by targeting PGM3 causes breast cancer growth arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Ricciardiello Francesca , Votta Giuseppina , Palorini Roberta , Raccagni Isabella , Brunelli Laura , Paiotta Alice , Tinelli Francesca , D’Orazio Giuseppe , Valtorta Silvia , De Gioia Luca , Pastorelli Roberta , Moresco Rosa Maria , La Ferla Barbara , Chiaradonna Ferdinando
Published: March 2018

Cancer aberrant N- and O-linked protein glycosylation, frequently resulting from an augmented flux through the Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway (HBP), play different roles in tumor progression. However, the low specificity and toxicity of the existing HBP inhibitors prevented their use for cancer treatment. Here we report the preclinical evaluation of FR054, a novel inhibitor of the HBP enzyme PGM3, with a remarkable anti-breast cancer effect. In fact, FR054 induces in different breast cancer cells a dramatic decrease in cell proliferation and survival. In particular, in a model of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) cells, MDA-MB-231, we show that these effects are correlated to FR054-dependent reduction of both N- and O-glycosylation level that cause also a strong reduction of cancer cell adhesion and migration. Moreover we show that impaired survival of cancer cells upon FR054 treatment is associated with the activation of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and accumulation of intracellular ROS. Finally, we show that FR054 suppresses cancer growth in MDA-MB-231 xenograft mice, supporting the advantage of targeting HBP for therapeutic purpose and encouraging further investigation about the use of this small molecule as a promising compound for breast cancer therapy.
Synergistic actions of FGF2 and bone marrow transplantation mitigate radiation-induced intestinal injury
Authors: Kim Byoung Hyuck , Jung Hee-Won , Seo Seok Hyun , Shin Hyemi , Kwon Jeanny , Suh Jae Myoung
Published: March 2018

Unwanted radiological or nuclear exposure remains a public health risk for which effective therapeutic countermeasures are lacking. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) in treating radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome (RIGS) incurred by lethal whole-body irradiation (WBI) when administered in conjunction with bone marrow transplantation (BMT). In vitro experiments indicated FGF2 treatment increased proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and upregulated AKT–GSK3β/β–catenin signaling in irradiated IEC-6 cells. We next established and analyzed mice cohorts consisting of sham irradiation (Group Sh); 12 Gy WBI (Group A); WBI with BMT (Group B); WBI with FGF2 treatment (Group F); and WBI with BMT and FGF2 treatment (Group BF). At 2 weeks post-irradiation, Group BF showed a dramatic increase in survival over all other groups. Intestinal epithelium of Group BF, but not Group B or F, showed augmented proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and preserved crypt numbers and morphology. Furthermore, Group BF maintained intestinal barrier function with minimal inflammatory disturbances in a manner comparable to Group Sh. In accordance, transcriptomic analyses showed significant upregulation of intestinal barrier and stem cell markers in Group BF relative to Groups A and B. Taken together, parenteral FGF2 synergizes with BMT to confer potent mitigation against RIGS.
Hypoxia-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 Expression in Exosomes from Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Enhances Metastases
Authors: Shan Ying , You Bo , Shi Si , Shi Wei , Zhang Zhenxin , Zhang Qicheng , Gu Miao , Chen Jing , Bao Lili , Liu Dong , You Yiwen
Published: March 2018

Exosomes are nano-vesicles secreted by tumor cells. Exosomes can transfer complex biological information and induce a diverse signaling response in a wide array of pathological conditions, such as hypoxia. Hypoxia is associated with aggressive phenotypes and poor outcomes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Here, we analyzed the role of exosomes from hypoxic NPC cells in enhancing the metastases of normoxic cells in a hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α)-dependent manner. HIF-1α rapidly accumulates and trans-activates hundreds of genes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We found that MMP-13 was over-expressed in exosomes and cells under hypoxic conditions. HIF-1α depletion in hypoxic CNE2 cells led to decreased MMP-13 levels in exosomes and significantly reduced cell migration and invasion. Moreover, exosomal MMP-13 significantly up-regulated Vimentin expression while decreasing E-cadherin levels in CNE2 cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, MMP-13 levels were closely associated with HIF-1α expression (r = 0.679, P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis, clinical stage (all P < 0.05) and poor prognosis in NPC patients (P < 0.01). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the hypoxic exosomes were loaded with MMP-13, which could enhance migration and invasiveness and induce microenvironment changes to promote NPC aggressiveness.
Integrative genomic profiling of large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas reveals distinct subtypes of high-grade neuroendocrine lung tumors
Authors: George Julie , Walter Vonn , Peifer Martin , Alexandrov Ludmil B. , Seidel Danila , Leenders Frauke , Maas Lukas , Müller Christian , Dahmen Ilona , Delhomme Tiffany M. , Ardin Maude , Leblay Noemie , Byrnes Graham , Sun Ruping , De Reynies Aurélien , McLeer-Florin Anne , Bosco Graziella , Malchers Florian , Menon Roopika , Altmüller Janine , Becker Christian , Nürnberg Peter , Achter Viktor , Lang Ulrich , Schneider Peter M. , Bogus Magdalena , Soloway Matthew G. , Wilkerson Matthew D. , Cun Yupeng , McKay James D. , Moro-Sibilot Denis , Brambilla Christian G. , Lantuejoul Sylvie , Lemaitre Nicolas , Soltermann Alex , Weder Walter , Tischler Verena , Brustugun Odd Terje , Lund-Iversen Marius , Helland Åslaug , Solberg Steinar , Ansén Sascha , Wright Gavin , Solomon Benjamin , Roz Luca , Pastorino Ugo , Petersen Iver , Clement Joachim H. , Sänger Jörg , Wolf Jürgen , Vingron Martin , Zander Thomas , Perner Sven , Travis William D. , Haas Stefan A. , Olivier Magali , Foll Matthieu , Büttner Reinhard , Hayes David Neil , Brambilla Elisabeth , Fernandez-Cuesta Lynnette , Thomas Roman K.
Published: March 2018

Pulmonary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) have similarities with other lung cancers, but their precise relationship has remained unclear. Here we perform a comprehensive genomic (n = 60) and transcriptomic (n = 69) analysis of 75 LCNECs and identify two molecular subgroups: “type I LCNECs” with bi-allelic TP53 and STK11/KEAP1 alterations (37%), and “type II LCNECs” enriched for bi-allelic inactivation of TP53 and RB1 (42%). Despite sharing genomic alterations with adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, no transcriptional relationship was found; instead LCNECs form distinct transcriptional subgroups with closest similarity to SCLC. While type I LCNECs and SCLCs exhibit a neuroendocrine profile with ASCL1high/DLL3high/NOTCHlow, type II LCNECs bear TP53 and RB1 alterations and differ from most SCLC tumors with reduced neuroendocrine markers, a pattern of ASCL1low/DLL3low/NOTCHhigh, and an upregulation of immune-related pathways. In conclusion, LCNECs comprise two molecularly defined subgroups, and distinguishing them from SCLC may allow stratified targeted treatment of high-grade neuroendocrine lung tumors.
Desmosomal cadherin association with Tctex-1 and cortactin-Arp2/3 drives perijunctional actin polymerization to promote keratinocyte delamination
Authors: Nekrasova Oxana , Harmon Robert M. , Broussard Joshua A. , Koetsier Jennifer L. , Godsel Lisa M. , Fitz Gillian N. , Gardel Margaret L. , Green Kathleen J.
Published: March 2018

The epidermis is a multi-layered epithelium that serves as a barrier against water loss and environmental insults. Its morphogenesis occurs through a tightly regulated program of biochemical and architectural changes during which basal cells commit to differentiate and move towards the skin’s surface. Here, we reveal an unexpected role for the vertebrate cadherin desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) in remodeling the actin cytoskeleton to promote the transit of basal cells into the suprabasal layer through a process of delamination, one mechanism of epidermal stratification. Actin remodeling requires the interaction of Dsg1 with the dynein light chain, Tctex-1 and the actin scaffolding protein, cortactin. We demonstrate that Tctex-1 ensures the correct membrane compartmentalization of Dsg1-containing desmosomes, allowing cortactin/Arp2/3-dependent perijunctional actin polymerization and decreasing tension at E-cadherin junctions to promote keratinocyte delamination. Moreover, Dsg1 is sufficient to enable simple epithelial cells to exit a monolayer to form a second layer, highlighting its morphogenetic potential.
Author Correction: Energy use and life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of drones for commercial package delivery
Authors: Stolaroff Joshuah K. , Samaras Constantine , O’Neill Emma R. , Lubers Alia , Mitchell Alexandra S. , Ceperley Daniel
Published: March 2018

In the original version of this Article, the first sentence of the sixth paragraph of the “Comparing emissions” section, the Results originally incorrectly read as ‘In the base case, delivery of a small (0.5 kg) package with the small quadrotor drone has lower impacts than delivery by diesel truck, ranging from a 59% reduction in GHGs in California, to a 17% reduction in Missouri’. The correct version states ‘54%’ instead of ‘59%’ and ‘23%’ instead of ‘17%’.

The fourth sentence of the same paragraph originally incorrectly read as ‘In the base case, delivery of a medium-sized (8 kg) package has 17% lower GHGs than delivery by truck in California, is about equivalent to delivery trucks for the U.S. average electricity mix, but has 77% higher GHGs than truck delivery in Missouri, which has a carbon-intensive electricity grid’. The correct version states ‘In the base case, delivery of a medium-sized (8 kg) package has 9% lower GHGs than delivery by truck in California, is about 24% higher than delivery trucks for the U.S. average electricity mix, and has 50% higher GHGs than truck delivery in Missouri, which has a carbon-intensive electricity grid.

The last sentence of the seventh paragraph of the same section originally incorrectly read as ‘Because of the importance of electricity used to power the octocopter, charging with low-carbon electricity of 200 g GHG/kWh can reduce delivered package GHGs by 34% compared to diesel trucks’. The correct version states ‘37%’ instead of ‘34%’.

These errors have been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Structural change as a key component for agricultural non-CO2 mitigation efforts
Authors: Frank Stefan , Beach Robert , Havlík Petr , Valin Hugo , Herrero Mario , Mosnier Aline , Hasegawa Tomoko , Creason Jared , Ragnauth Shaun , Obersteiner Michael
Published: March 2018

Agriculture is the single largest source of anthropogenic non-carbon dioxide (non-CO2) emissions. Reaching the climate target of the Paris Agreement will require significant emission reductions across sectors by 2030 and continued efforts thereafter. Here we show that the economic potential of non-CO2 emissions reductions from agriculture is up to four times as high as previously estimated. In fact, we find that agriculture could achieve already at a carbon price of 25 $/tCO2eq non-CO2 reductions of around 1 GtCO2eq/year by 2030 mainly through the adoption of technical and structural mitigation options. At 100 $/tCO2eq agriculture could even provide non-CO2 reductions of 2.6 GtCO2eq/year in 2050 including demand side efforts. Immediate action to favor the widespread adoption of technical options in developed countries together with productivity increases through structural changes in developing countries is needed to move agriculture on track with a 2 °C climate stabilization pathway.
Molecular typing of Mycobacterium kansasii using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and a newly designed variable-number tandem repeat analysis
Authors: Bakuła Zofia , Brzostek Anna , Borówka Paulina , Żaczek Anna , Szulc-Kiełbik Izabela , Podpora Agata , Parniewski Paweł , Strapagiel Dominik , Dziadek Jarosław , Proboszcz Małgorzata , Bielecki Jacek , van Ingen Jakko , Jagielski Tomasz
Published: March 2018

Molecular epidemiological studies of Mycobacterium kansasii are hampered by the lack of highly-discriminatory genotyping modalities. The purpose of this study was to design a new, high-resolution fingerprinting method for M. kansasii. Complete genome sequence of the M. kansasii ATCC 12478 reference strain was searched for satellite-like repetitive DNA elements comprising tandem repeats. A total of 24 variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci were identified with potential discriminatory capacity. Of these, 17 were used to study polymorphism among 67 M. kansasii strains representing six subtypes (I-VI). The results of VNTR typing were compared with those of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) with AsnI digestion. Six VNTRs i.e. (VNTR 1, 2, 8, 14, 20 and 23) allow to differentiate analyzed strains with the same discriminatory capacities as use of a 17-loci panel. VNTR typing and PFGE in conjunction revealed 45 distinct patterns, including 11 clusters with 33 isolates and 34 unique patterns. The Hunter-Gaston’s discriminatory index was 0.95 and 0.66 for PFGE and VNTR typing respectively, and 0.97 for the two methods combined. In conclusion, this study delivers a new typing scheme, based on VNTR polymorphism, and recommends it as a first-line test prior to PFGE analysis in a two-step typing strategy for M. kansasii.
Author Correction: A Robust Method for Inferring Network Structures
Authors: Yang Yang , Luo Tingjin , Li Zhoujun , Zhang Xiaoming , Yu Philip S.
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Large sub-clonal variation in Phytophthora infestans from recent severe late blight epidemics in India
Authors: Dey Tanmoy , Saville Amanda , Myers Kevin , Tewari Susanta , Cooke David E. L. , Tripathy Sucheta , Fry William E. , Ristaino Jean B. , Guha Roy Sanjoy
Published: March 2018

The population structure of the Phytophthora infestans populations that caused the recent 2013–14 late blight epidemic in eastern India (EI) and northeastern India (NEI) was examined. The data provide new baseline information for populations of P. infestans in India. A migrant European 13_A2 genotype was responsible for the 2013–14 epidemic, replacing the existing populations. Mutations have generated substantial sub-clonal variation with 24 multi-locus genotypes (MLGs) found, of which 19 were unique variants not yet reported elsewhere globally. Samples from West Bengal were the most diverse and grouped alongside MLGs found in Europe, the UK and from neighbouring Bangladesh but were not linked directly to most samples from south India. The pathogen population was broadly more aggressive on potato than on tomato and resistant to the fungicide metalaxyl. Pathogen population diversity was higher in regions around the international borders with Bangladesh and Nepal. Overall, the multiple shared MLGs suggested genetic contributions from UK and Europe in addition to a sub-structure based on the geographical location within India. Our data indicate the need for improved phytosanitary procedures and continuous surveillance to prevent the further introduction of aggressive lineages of P. infestans into the country.
Effects of Phytase Transgenic Maize on the Physiological and Biochemical Responses and the Gut Microflora Functional Diversity of Ostrinia furnacalis
Authors: Xu Xiao Hui , Guo Yinghui , Sun Hongwei , Li Fan , Yang Shuke , Gao Rui , Lu Xingbo
Published: March 2018

Transgenic maize hybrids that express the Aspergillus niger phyA2 gene could significantly improve phosphorus bioavailability to poultry and livestock. However, little information has been reported about the effects of phytase transgenic maize on the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). This study provides valuable information about the physiological, biochemical and gut microflora functional diversity changes of ACBs fed phytase transgenic maize. The weights, survival rates, in vivo protein contents, activities of two detoxification enzymes and three antioxidant enzymes of ACBs fed phytase transgenic maize exhibited no significant differences to those fed non-transgenic maize. Functional diversities of the gut microflora communities of ACBs were not affected by different fodder treatments, but significant differences were observed between different generations of ACBs. Our study provides useful information about the biochemical responses and gut microflora community functional diversities of ACBs fed phytase transgenic maize firstly and the results will help to assess the potential effects of phytase transgenic maize on other target and non-target arthropods in the future.
Tissue Phenomics for prognostic biomarker discovery in low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer
Authors: Harder Nathalie , Athelogou Maria , Hessel Harald , Brieu Nicolas , Yigitsoy Mehmet , Zimmermann Johannes , Baatz Martin , Buchner Alexander , Stief Christian G. , Kirchner Thomas , Binnig Gerd , Schmidt Günter , Huss Ralf
Published: March 2018

Tissue Phenomics is the discipline of mining tissue images to identify patterns that are related to clinical outcome providing potential prognostic and predictive value. This involves the discovery process from assay development, image analysis, and data mining to the final interpretation and validation of the findings. Importantly, this process is not linear but allows backward steps and optimization loops over multiple sub-processes. We provide a detailed description of the Tissue Phenomics methodology while exemplifying each step on the application of prostate cancer recurrence prediction. In particular, we automatically identified tissue-based biomarkers having significant prognostic value for low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients (Gleason scores 6–7b) after radical prostatectomy. We found that promising phenes were related to CD8(+) and CD68(+) cells in the microenvironment of cancerous glands in combination with the local micro-vascularization. Recurrence prediction based on the selected phenes yielded accuracies up to 83% thereby clearly outperforming prediction based on the Gleason score. Moreover, we compared different machine learning algorithms to combine the most relevant phenes resulting in increased accuracies of 88% for tumor progression prediction. These findings will be of potential use for future prognostic tests for prostate cancer patients and provide a proof-of-principle of the Tissue Phenomics approach.
Finite Dimension: A Mathematical Tool to Analise Glycans
Authors: Alonso J. M. , Arroyuelo A. , Garay P. G. , Martin O. A. , Vila J. A.
Published: March 2018

There is a need to develop widely applicable tools to understand glycan organization, diversity and structure. We present a graph-theoretical study of a large sample of glycans in terms of finite dimension, a new metric which is an adaptation to finite sets of the classical Hausdorff “fractal” dimension. Every glycan in the sample is encoded, via finite dimension, as a point of Glycan Space, a new notion introduced in this paper. Two major outcomes were found: (a) the existence of universal bounds that restrict the universe of possible glycans and show, for instance, that the graphs of glycans are a very special type of chemical graph, and (b) how Glycan Space is related to biological domains associated to the analysed glycans. In addition, we discuss briefly how this encoding may help to improve search in glycan databases.
Author Correction: Myeloperoxidase is not a good biomarker for preeclampsia prediction
Authors: Rocha-Penha L. , Bettiol H. , Barbieri M. A. , Cardoso V. C. , Cavalli R. C. , Sandrim V. C.
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Publisher Correction: Tamm plasmon modes on semi-infinite metallodielectric superlattices
Authors: Isić Goran , Vuković Slobodan , Jakšić Zoran , Belić Milivoj
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
The Boring Billion, a slingshot for Complex Life on Earth
Authors: Mukherjee Indrani , Large Ross R. , Corkrey Ross , Danyushevsky Leonid V.
Published: March 2018

The period 1800 to 800 Ma (“Boring Billion”) is believed to mark a delay in the evolution of complex life, primarily due to low levels of oxygen in the atmosphere. Earlier studies highlight the remarkably flat C, Cr isotopes and low trace element trends during the so-called stasis, caused by prolonged nutrient, climatic, atmospheric and tectonic stability. In contrast, we suggest a first-order variability of bio-essential trace element availability in the oceans by combining systematic sampling of the Proterozoic rock record with sensitive geochemical analyses of marine pyrite by LA-ICP-MS technique. We also recall that several critical biological evolutionary events, such as the appearance of eukaryotes, origin of multicellularity & sexual reproduction, and the first major diversification of eukaryotes (crown group) occurred during this period. Therefore, it appears possible that the period of low nutrient trace elements (1800–1400 Ma) caused evolutionary pressures which became an essential trigger for promoting biological innovations in the eukaryotic domain. Later periods of stress-free conditions, with relatively high nutrient trace element concentration, facilitated diversification. We propose that the “Boring Billion” was a period of sequential stepwise evolution and diversification of complex eukaryotes, triggering evolutionary pathways that made possible the later rise of micro-metazoans and their macroscopic counterparts.
In tendons, differing physiological requirements lead to functionally distinct nanostructures
Authors: Quigley Andrew S. , Bancelin Stéphane , Deska-Gauthier Dylan , Légaré François , Kreplak Laurent , Veres Samuel P.
Published: March 2018

The collagen-based tissues of animals are hierarchical structures: even tendon, the simplest collagenous tissue, has seven to eight levels of hierarchy. Tailoring tissue structure to match physiological function can occur at many different levels. We wanted to know if the control of tissue architecture to achieve function extends down to the nanoscale level of the individual, cable-like collagen fibrils. Using tendons from young adult bovine forelimbs, we performed stress-strain experiments on single collagen fibrils extracted from tendons with positional function, and tendons with energy storing function. Collagen fibrils from the two tendon types, which have known differences in intermolecular crosslinking, showed numerous differences in their responses to elongation. Unlike those from positional tendons, fibrils from energy storing tendons showed high strain stiffening and resistance to disruption in both molecular packing and conformation, helping to explain how these high stress tissues withstand millions of loading cycles with little reparative remodeling. Functional differences in load-bearing tissues are accompanied by important differences in nanoscale collagen fibril structure.
Size Exclusion Chromatography Method for Purification of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) from Bacterial Cells
Authors: Marinescu George Cătălin , Popescu Roua-Gabriela , Dinischiotu Anca
Published: March 2018

Over 12% of the world’s health resources are spent on treating diabetes, as high blood glucose is the third cause of mortality worldwide. Insulin resistance is the basis of the most common form of diabetes: type 2 diabetes. Recent animal studies report successful attempts at reversing type 2 diabetes by the administering of the NAD+precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). However, the current high price of this molecule urges for more efficient and cost-effective production methods. This work proposes a method for purifying NMN by Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) on silica with a covalently attached coating of poly(2-hydroxyethyl aspartamide) (PolyHEA) stationary phase using an isocratic elution with a denaturing mobile phase (50 mM formic acid) from a complex molecular mixture such as a fermentation broth. The eluted peaks were identified by UV-Vis analysis and confirmed with ESI+ mass spectrometry and a HPLC reversed-phase method. The proposed SEC method is simple, patent-free, directly applicable for industrial production with a minimum scale up effort. The need for multiple chromatographic steps is eliminated and the lysate filtration and clarification steps are simplified. Substantial reduction in NMN production costs and increased purity of NMN to the level suitable for usage in humans are expected.
Ad4BP/SF-1 regulates cholesterol synthesis to boost the production of steroids
Authors: Baba Takashi , Otake Hiroyuki , Inoue Miki , Sato Tetsuya , Ishihara Yasuhiro , Moon Ju-Yeon , Tsuchiya Megumi , Miyabayashi Kanako , Ogawa Hidesato , Shima Yuichi , Wang Lixiang , Sato Ryuichiro , Yamazaki Takeshi , Suyama Mikita , Nomura Masatoshi , Choi Man Ho , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Morohashi Ken-ichirou
Published: March 2018

Housekeeping metabolic pathways such as glycolysis are active in all cell types. In addition, many types of cells are equipped with cell-specific metabolic pathways. To properly perform their functions, housekeeping and cell-specific metabolic pathways must function cooperatively. However, the regulatory mechanisms that couple metabolic pathways remain largely unknown. Recently, we showed that the steroidogenic cell-specific nuclear receptor Ad4BP/SF-1, which regulates steroidogenic genes, also regulates housekeeping glycolytic genes. Here, we identify cholesterogenic genes as the targets of Ad4BP/SF-1. Further, we reveal that Ad4BP/SF-1 regulates Hummr, a candidate mediator of cholesterol transport from endoplasmic reticula to mitochondria. Given that cholesterol is the starting material for steroidogenesis and is synthesized from acetyl-CoA, which partly originates from glucose, our results suggest that multiple biological processes involved in synthesizing steroid hormones are governed by Ad4BP/SF-1. To our knowledge, this study provides the first example where housekeeping and cell-specific metabolism are coordinated at the transcriptional level.
Observation of polar order and thermochromic behaviour in a chiral bent-core system exhibiting exotic mesophases due to superstructural frustration
Authors: Punjani Vidhika , Mohiuddin Golam , Kaur Supreet , Khan Raj Kumar , Ghosh Sharmistha , Pal Santanu Kumar
Published: March 2018

First examples of smart bent-core materials that exhibited frustrated structures with high polar order and thermochromism.
Exploring the relation between the oligomeric structure and membrane damage by a study on rat islet amyloid polypeptide
Authors: Lu Tong , Meng Feihong , Wei Ying , Li Yang , Wang Chunyu , Li Fei
Published: March 2018

Membrane damage by rIAPP oligomers is related to the hydrophobic exposure of aggregates.
The key role of electrostatic interactions in the induced folding in RNA recognition by DCL1-A
Authors: Zhao Lingci , Suarez Irina P. , Gauto Diego F. , Rasia Rodolfo M. , Wang Jin
Published: March 2018

We studied the molecular mechanism of the recognition of RNA by the intrinsically disordered DCL1-A with a coarse-grained structure-based model.
Spectroscopic properties of high-temperature sintered SrS:0.05%Ce3+ under high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Mahlik Sebastian , Lesniewski Tadeusz , Grinberg Marek , Kulesza Dagmara , Zych Eugeniusz
Published: March 2018

In this study, we present spectroscopic properties of high-temperature sintered SrS:0.05%Ce3+ under high hydrostatic pressure.
Leakage-proof phase change composites supported by biomass carbon aerogels from succulents
Authors: Wei Yanhong , Li Juanjuan , Sun Furong , Wu Jinrong , Zhao Lijuan
Published: March 2018

The practical applications of organic phase change materials (PCM) are greatly limited, due to their leakage in the melted state and unacceptably low thermal conductivity.
A hydrazine-based thiocarbamide probe for colorimetric and turn-on fluorometric detection of PO43−and AsO33−in semi-aqueous medium
Authors: Purkait Rakesh , Maity Suvendu , Sinha Chittaranjan
Published: March 2018

20% of the population in West Bengal, India is at risk to fatal levels of arsenic. Easy detection of As(iii) is demonstrated by the naked eye using a hydrazine-based thiocarbamide reagent. Limit of detection is 15 nM (AsO33−) at pH 8–12.
Black hybrid iodobismuthate containing linear anionic chains
Authors: Kotov Vitalii Yu. , Ilyukhin Andrey B. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Smol’yakov Alexander F. , Kozyukhin Sergey A.
Published: March 2018

The crystal structure of a new hybrid iodobismuthate contains linear anionic chains. This black compound is a semiconductor (Eg= 1.73 eV) and can be proposed as a promising material for solar cells.
Investigation of rotameric conformations of substituted imidazo-[1,2-a]pyrazine: experimental and theoretical approaches
Authors: Kumar Gulshan , Goel Richa , Paul Kamaldeep , Luxami Vijay
Published: March 2018

The different rotameric conformations of imidazo-[1,2-a]pyrazine have been synthesized and characterized by means of different experimental techniques, such as NMR, FTIR, and absorption spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations.
Spin states, vibrations and spin relaxation in molecular nanomagnets and spin qubits: a critical perspective
Authors: Escalera-Moreno Luis , Baldoví José J. , Gaita-Ariño Alejandro , Coronado Eugenio
Published: March 2018

Spin–vibration coupling has been proven to be crucial for spin dynamics; theoretical studies are now addressing this experimental challenge.
Controlled synthesis of lithium doped tin dioxide nanoparticles by a polymeric precursor method and analysis of the resulting defect structure
Authors: Prado Félix del , Cremades Ana , Maestre David , Ramírez-Castellanos Julio , González-Calbet José M. , Piqueras Javier
Published: March 2018

Shift of the Fermi level towards the valence band maximum (VBM) of aroundΦ∼ 0.2 eV.
Candle soot derived carbon nanodot/polyaniline hybrid materials through controlled grafting of polyaniline chains for supercapacitors
Authors: Ghosh Tapas , Ghosh Radhakanta , Basak Udayan , Majumdar Soumabrata , Ball Ranadeb , Mandal Debasish , Nandi Arun K. , Chatterjee Dhruba P.
Published: March 2018

Controlled grafting of polyaniline from the surface of carbon nano dots using ‘grafting from’ strategy is reported. The nano structured polyaniline coated carbon nano dots produced show excellent electrochemical performance.
The stability of 57 consensus values in a proficiency test material re-issued blind after an interval of 18 years
Authors: Thompson Michael , Webb Peter C. , Potts Philip J. , Wilson Stephen
Published: March 2018

Despite changes in the analytical methodology and the population of participant laboratories, there was remarkably little change in the consensus values.
Macrocycle-wrapped polyethylenimine for gene delivery with reduced cytotoxicity
Authors: Huang Qiaoxian , Li Shengke , Ding Yuan-Fu , Yin Hang , Wang Lian-Hui , Wang Ruibing
Published: March 2018

Upon supramolecular wrapping by cucurbit[7]uril, the cytotoxicity of polyethylenimine was significantly alleviated as demonstrated by MTT, apoptosis, and hemolysis assays.
CsPbBr3:xEu3+ perovskite QD borosilicate glass: a new member of the luminescent material family
Authors: Yuan Rongrong , Shen Lingli , Shen Chenyang , Liu Jianming , Zhou Lei , Xiang Weidong , Liang Xiaojuan
Published: March 2018

Eu3+ ions were introduced into the lattices of CsPbBr3 perovskite QDs and a tunable multicolour emission from CsPbBr3:xEu3+ perovskite QD glass was successfully obtained.
Site-selective synthesis of functionalized dibenzo[f,h]quinolines and their derivatives involving cyclic diaryliodonium salts via a decarboxylative annulation strategy
Authors: Yang Shuai , Hua Wenkai , Wu Yanqi , Hu Tao , Wang Feng , Zhang Xingxian , Zhang Fengzhi
Published: March 2018

An unprecedented site-selective synthesis of dibenzo[f,h]quinolines and their derivatives was reported via an acid directed decarboxylative annulation cascade.
Iron polypyridyl catalysts assembled on metal oxide semiconductors for photocatalytic hydrogen generation
Authors: Race N. A. , Zhang W. , Screen M. E. , Barden B. A. , McNamara W. R.
Published: March 2018

Iron-polypyridyl functionalized metal oxides are highly active for photocatalytic hydrogen generation.
Copper-catalyzed decarboxylative cyclization via tandem C–P and C–N bond formation: access to 2-phosphorylmethyl indoles
Authors: Wang Bao-Cheng , Wang Ya-Ni , Zhang Mao-Mao , Xiao Wen-Jing , Lu Liang-Qiu
Published: March 2018

A copper-catalyzed decarboxylative cyclization of ethynyl benzoxazinanones with P(O)H compounds has been developed for the synthesis of 2-phosphorylmethyl indoles.
Multifunctional monomers based on vinyl sulfonates and vinyl sulfonamides for crosslinking thiol-Michael polymerizations: monomer reactivity and mechanical behavior
Authors: Sinha Jasmine , Podgórski Maciej , Huang Sijia , Bowman Christopher N.
Published: March 2018

Multifunctional vinyl sulfonates and vinyl sulfonamides for thiol-Michael crosslinking polymerizations, offering broad range of mechanical properties and diverse hydrolytic stabilities.
Preparation of CL-20/DNDAP cocrystals by a rapid and continuous spray drying method: an alternative to cocrystal formation
Authors: Liu Ning , Duan Binghui , Lu Xianming , Mo Hongchang , Xu Minghui , Zhang Qian , Wang Bozhou
Published: March 2018

A CL-20/DNDAP cocrystal explosive prepared by a spray drying method exhibited a small particle size with a narrow size distribution and good comprehensive performance.
Structural phase diagrams and isomerism inflexible honeycomb-like 2D hydrogen bonded solid solutions
Authors: Hu Bo-Wen , Ferlay Sylvie , Gruber-Kyritsakas Nathalie , Hosseini Mir Wais
Published: March 2018

Solid solutions of hydrogen bonded networks of the formula ((1-2H+)3x(2-2H+)3(1–x)([Fe(CN)6]23−))·nH2O, where (1-2H+) and (2-2H+) are bisamidinium H bond donor entities, have been prepared and structurally analysed.
Spatially confined luminescence process in tip-modified heterogeneous-structured microrods for high-level anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Han Yingdong , Gao Chao , Wang Yangbo , Ju Dandan , Zhou Aihua , Song Feng , Huang Ling , Huang Wei
Published: March 2018

Spatially confined UC and DC luminescence in a single microrod promote the luminescence anti-counterfeiting level.
Theoretical study of radiative and nonradiative decay rates for Cu(i) complexes with double heteroleptic ligands
Authors: Chen Yuannan , Ren Aimin , Yang Zhongyue , He Tengfei , Ding Xiaoli , Zhang Hongxing , Zou Luyi
Published: March 2018

Phosphorescence quantum yield increases significantly because kr increases and knr decreases upon introducing electron-donating groups to N^N ligands.
pH-Induced evolution of surface patterns in micelles assembled from dirhamnolipids: dissipative particle dynamics simulation
Authors: Xu Jianchang , Sun Shuangqing , Wang Zhikun , Peng Shiyuan , Hu Songqing , Zhang Lijuan
Published: March 2018

Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation is used to study the effect of pH on the morphological transition in micelles assembled from dirhamnolipids (diRLs), and analyze the pH-driven mechanism and influence factors of micellar surface patterns.
Tin guanidinato complexes: oxidative control of Sn, SnS, SnSe and SnTe thin film deposition
Authors: Ahmet Ibrahim Y. , Hill Michael S. , Raithby Paul R. , Johnson Andrew L.
Published: March 2018

SnS, SnSe and SnTe are potentially important semiconductor materials. We report for the first time the oxidative controlled Aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AA-CVD) of phase pure Sn(ii) chalcogenide thin films, using chalcogenide Sn(iv) guanidinate precursors, containing SnCh bonds (Ch = S, Se and Te).
Benchmarking high surface area electrocatalysts in a gas diffusion electrode: measurement of oxygen reduction activities under realistic conditions
Authors: Inaba Masanori , Jensen Anders Westergaard , Sievers Gustav Wilhelm , Escudero-Escribano María , Zana Alessandro , Arenz Matthias
Published: March 2018

In this work, we introduce the application of gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) for benchmarking the electrocatalytic performance of high surface area fuel cell catalysts.
Biodegradable 3D printed polymer microneedles for transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Luzuriaga Michael A. , Berry Danielle R. , Reagan John C. , Smaldone Ronald A. , Gassensmith Jeremiah J.
Published: March 2018

DIY drug delivery: an easy way to get sharp break-away drug-loaded microneedles using an inexpensive off-the-shelf 3D printer.
Mono-DMSO ligated cobalt nitrophenylcorroles: electrochemical and spectral characterization
Authors: Jiang X. , Shan W. , Desbois N. , Quesneau V. , Brandès S. , Caemelbecke E. Van , Osterloh W. R. , Blondeau-Patissier V. , Gros C. P. , Kadish K. M.
Published: March 2018

Four mono-DMSO ligated cobalt corroles with one or threemeso-nitrophenyl substituents on the macrocycle were synthesized and investigated as to their electrochemical and spectroscopic properties in CH2Cl2and DMSO.
Metal–organic framework based micro solid phase extraction coupled with supramolecular solvent microextraction to determine copper in water and food samples
Authors: Kashanaki Rohullah , Ebrahimzadeh Homeira , Moradi Morteza
Published: March 2018

D-μ-SPE-SUPRAS-ME followed by GFAAS was successfully used for preconcentration and determination of copper in real samples.
Nitrogen self-doped carbon aerogels derived from trifunctional benzoxazine monomers as ultralight supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Zhang Min , Chen Ming , Reddeppa Nadimicherla , Xu Dongli , Jing Qiangshan , Zha Ruhua
Published: March 2018

Polymerization of trifunctional benzoxazine monomers under acid catalysis conditions leads to nitrogen self-doped carbon aerogels for high performance supercapacitors.
3D depth profiling of the interaction between an AFM tip and fluid polymer solutions
Authors: Dehnert Martin , Magerle Robert
Published: March 2018

A versatile methodology for accurately measuring the 3D shape of fluid and gel-like nanostructures is presented.
A new ‘sticking’ coating method for the in situ formation of nanofiber networks on micrometer to millimeter-sized surfaces
Authors: Tenjimbayashi Mizuki , Yoshikawa Ryohei , Park Jun-Yong , Kobayashi Yuta , Monnai Yasuaki , Muto Jun , Shiratori Seimei
Published: March 2018

A simple and versatile method is developed to form nanofiber coatings in situ on micrometer to millimeter-sized surface via advanced electrospinning technique. The technique overcomes conventional nanofiber coating difficulties of downscaling coating objects.
6,6′-Diaryl-substituted biazulene diimides for solution-processable high-performance n-type organic semiconductors
Authors: Xin Hanshen , Li Jing , Ge Congwu , Yang Xiaodi , Xue Tianrui , Gao Xike
Published: March 2018

High electron mobility derived from dense molecular packing induced by the dipolar moment of azulene units.
Convenient and efficient synthesis of functionalized unsymmetrical Z-alkenyl disulfanes
Authors: Musiejuk M. , Doroszuk J. , Witt D.
Published: March 2018

We developed a simple and efficient method for the synthesis of functionalized unsymmetrical Z-alkenyl disulfanes under mild conditions in moderate to good yields.
A separator-based lithium polysulfide recirculator for high-loading and high-performance Li–S batteries
Authors: Li Ming , Wang Chao , Miao Lixiao , Xiang Jingwei , Wang Tanyuan , Yuan Kai , Chen Jitao , Huang Yunhui
Published: March 2018

The MoP/rGO composite modified separator is applicable to design high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries and it is potential for practical application.
Self-templating synthesis of silicon nanorods from natural sepiolite for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Chen Qingze , Zhu Runliang , Liu Shaohong , Wu Dingcai , Fu Haoyang , Zhu Jianxi , He Hongping
Published: March 2018

One-dimensional silicon nanorods with a hierarchical porous structure were synthesized from natural sepiolite by a simple self-templating synthesis method.
Micron-sized encapsulated-type MoS2/C hybrid particulates with an effective confinement effect for improving the cycling performance of LIB anodes
Authors: Sun Boya , Liu Qinglei , Chen Wenshu , Wang Ning , Gu Jiajun , Zhang Wang , Su Huilan , Zhang Di
Published: March 2018

Micron-sized encapsulated-type MoS2/C hybrids exhibit high specific capacity, excellent rate performance and remarkable cycling stability when used as anodes in LIBs.
Core–shell TaOx@MnO2nanoparticles as a nano-radiosensitizer for effective cancer radiotherapy
Authors: Gong Fei , Chen Jiawen , Han Xiao , Zhao Jiayue , Wang Mengyun , Feng Liangzhu , Li Yonggang , Liu Zhuang , Cheng Liang
Published: March 2018

Improving tumor oxygenation and concentrating X-ray radiation energy inside the tumor have received considerable attention in cancer radiotherapy.
A smart copper-phthalocyanine framework nanoparticle for enhancing photodynamic therapy in hypoxic conditions by weakening cells through ATP depletion
Authors: Gui Li , Zhou Jiahong , Zhou Lin , Wei Shaohua
Published: March 2018

Hypoxic tumor treatment by synergistic of photodynamic therapy and ATP deprivation.
Highly conductive, flexible and stretchable conductors based on fractal silver nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Sufeng , Li Yongwei , Tian Qingyong , Liu Li , Yao Weijing , Chi Congcong , Zeng Pan , Zhang Nan , Wu Wei
Published: March 2018

A flexible and stretchable conductor was achieved by embedding fractal-structured silver particles in a PDMS substrate, which can stretch up to 100% and bend and twist up to 180°, and which possesses good mechanical and electronic stability.
Synthesis and thermoelectric properties of 2- and 2,8-substituted tetrathiotetracenes
Authors: Garrett Mary Robert , Durán-Peña María Jesús , Lewis William , Pudzs Kaspars , Užulis Jānis , Mihailovs Igors , Tyril Björk , Shine Jonathan , Smith Emily F. , Rutkis Martins , Woodward Simon
Published: March 2018

Thermoelectric properties (conductivity and Seebeck coefficient) are in screening for new tetrathiotetracene lead materials. Iodine doping reveals iPr,Me-TTT as optimal.
Translocator protein and steroidogenesis
Authors: Costa Barbara , Da Pozzo Eleonora , Martini Claudia
Published: March 2018

Two interesting papers by Barren et al. and Owen et al. have been very recently published in Biochemical Journal, reporting the role of translocator protein (TSPO) in steroidogenesis. The involvement of TSPO in the steroid biosynthesis has been suggested by 30 years of researches, using biochemical, pharmacological and genetic experimental approaches. In the last 3 years, however, the TSPO involvement in steroidogenesis has been intensively and profoundly discussed. Using in vivo genetic manipulations aimed at deleting TSPO, some researchers have excluded its role in steroid production. Other research groups, using similar genetic manipulation techniques, have presented different results, corroborating the role of TSPO in steroidogenesis, in particular, when hormonal stimulation occurs. In this scenario, the publications by Barron et al. about ‘Steroidogenic abnormalities in translocator protein knockout mice and significance in the aging male’ and by Owen et al. about ‘TSPO mutations in rats and a human polymorphism impair the rate of steroid synthesis’ are part of this debate and provide further and more accurate information supporting the importance of TSPO as a steroidogenesis regulator.
The association of polymorphisms in lncRNA-H19 with hepatocellular cancer risk and prognosis
Authors: Yang Ming-li , Huang Zhe , Wang Qian , Chen Huan-huan , Ma Sai-nan , Wu Rong , Cai Wei-song
Published: March 2018

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality. Genetic polymorphisms may affect the susceptibility and clinical outcomes of cancers. We aim to manifest the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of lncRNA-H19 gene with the risk and prognosis of HCC. A total of 944 samples composed of 472 HCC patients and 472 matched controls were included in the risk analysis and amongst them 350 HCC samples were investigated in the prognosis analysis. KASP method was conducted for the SNP genotyping. The TT + CT genotype of rs2839698 was found to be associated with a 1.32-fold increased HCC risk (P=0.037, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.70). In the stratified analysis, rs2839698 (odds ratio (OR) = 1.57, P=0.007, 95% CI = 1.13–2.18) and rs3024270 (OR = 1.71, P=0.019, 95% CI = 1.09–2.68) were found to show more obvious increased HCC risk in the age ≤60 subgroup. And we found that rs2839698 showed an increased HCC risk in the ever smoking subgroup. But in the male subgroup of rs2735971, it showed a decreased HCC risk. Furthermore, haplotype analysis showed that rs2735971-rs2839698-rs3024270 G-T-C significantly increased the risk of HCC (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.01–1.51, P=0.043). Multilogistic analysis revealed no significant results of the interaction effects of the SNPs and environment factors. And in our study, rs2839698 showed a significant poor prognosis in the ever smoking subgroup (hazard rate (HR) = 5.19, 95% CI = 1.12–24.07, P=0.035). lncRNA-H19 rs2839698 SNP has the potential to be predictors for HCC risk and prognosis.
Directional channel modelling for millimetre wave communications in urban areas
Authors: Torabi Amir , Zekavat Seyed Alireza
Published: March 2018

Integrating Kirchhoff approximation (KA) and a ray‐tracing (RT) algorithm, this study develops a new directional three‐dimensional channel model for urban millimetre‐wave small cells. The authors study the path loss, spatial correlation, coverage distance, and coherence length for line‐of‐sight (LOS), obstructed LOS, and non‐LOS (NLOS) scenarios in urban areas. Exploiting physical optics and geometric optics solutions, closed‐form expressions for spatial correlation are derived. It is deduced that LOS availability, frequency, and surface roughness scale highly impact spatial diversity. In addition, using antenna arrays of moderate gain at both sides of the link, even under NLOS conditions, a typical urban cell size of 200 m is achievable.