bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of an expression system to enhance MBP-mediated crystallization
Authors: Jin Tengchuan , Chuenchor Watchalee , Jiang Jiansheng , Cheng Jinbo , Li Yajuan , Fang Kang , Huang Mo , Smith Patrick , Xiao Tsan Sam
Published: January 2017

Crystallization chaperones have been used to facilitate the crystallization of challenging proteins. Even though the maltose-binding protein (MBP) is one of the most commonly used crystallization chaperones, the design of optimal expression constructs for crystallization of MBP fusion proteins remains a challenge. To increase the success rate of MBP-facilitated crystallization, a series of expression vectors have been designed with either a short flexible linker or a set of rigid helical linkers. Seven death domain superfamily members were tested for crystallization with this set of vectors, six of which had never been crystallized before. All of the seven targets were crystallized, and their structures were determined using at least one of the vectors. Our successful crystallization of all of the targets demonstrates the validity of our approach and expands the arsenal of the crystallization chaperone toolkit, which may be applicable to crystallization of other difficult protein targets, as well as to other crystallization chaperones.
STAC3 stably interacts through its C1 domain with CaV1.1 in skeletal muscle triads
Authors: Campiglio Marta , Flucher Bernhard E.
Published: January 2017

The adaptor protein STAC3 is essential for skeletal muscle excitation-contraction (EC) coupling and a mutation in the STAC3 gene has been linked to a severe muscle disease, Native American myopathy (NAM). However the function of STAC3, its interaction partner, and the mode of interaction within the EC-coupling complex remained elusive. Here we demonstrate that STAC3 forms a stable interaction with the voltage-sensor of EC-coupling, CaV1.1, and that this interaction depends on a hitherto unidentified protein-protein binding pocket in the C1 domain of STAC3. While the NAM mutation does not affect the stability of the STAC3-CaV1.1 interaction, mutation of two crucial residues in the C1 binding pocket increases the turnover of STAC3 in skeletal muscle triads. Thus, the C1 domain of STAC3 is responsible for its stable incorporation into the CaV1.1 complex, whereas the SH3 domain containing the NAM mutation site may be involved in low-affinity functional interactions in EC-coupling.
SecretEPDB: a comprehensive web-based resource for secreted effector proteins of the bacterial types III, IV and VI secretion systems
Authors: An Yi , Wang Jiawei , Li Chen , Revote Jerico , Zhang Yang , Naderer Thomas , Hayashida Morihiro , Akutsu Tatsuya , Webb Geoffrey I. , Lithgow Trevor , Song Jiangning
Published: January 2017

Bacteria translocate effector molecules to host cells through highly evolved secretion systems. By definition, the function of these effector proteins is to manipulate host cell biology and the sequence, structural and functional annotations of these effector proteins will provide a better understanding of how bacterial secretion systems promote bacterial survival and virulence. Here we developed a knowledgebase, termed SecretEPDB (Bacterial Secreted Effector Protein DataBase), for effector proteins of type III secretion system (T3SS), type IV secretion system (T4SS) and type VI secretion system (T6SS). SecretEPDB provides enriched annotations of the aforementioned three classes of effector proteins by manually extracting and integrating structural and functional information from currently available databases and the literature. The database is conservative and strictly curated to ensure that every effector protein entry is supported by experimental evidence that demonstrates it is secreted by a T3SS, T4SS or T6SS. The annotations of effector proteins documented in SecretEPDB are provided in terms of protein characteristics, protein function, protein secondary structure, Pfam domains, metabolic pathway and evolutionary details. It is our hope that this integrated knowledgebase will serve as a useful resource for biological investigation and the generation of new hypotheses for research efforts aimed at bacterial secretion systems.
Reduction of hepatic fibrosis by overexpression of von Hippel–Lindau protein in experimental models of chronic liver disease
Authors: Wang Jizhou , Lu Zhaoyang , Xu Zhilin , Tian Pei , Miao Hui , Pan Shangha , Song Ruipeng , Sun Xueying , Zhao Baolei , Wang Dawei , Ma Yong , Song Xuan , Zhang Shugeng , Liu Lianxin , Jiang Hongchi
Published: January 2017

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α play an important role in liver fibrosis. von Hippel–Lindau protein (VHL), a key mediator of HIF-α, regulates fibrosis in an organ- and cell-specific way. In this study, human liver samples were collected from hepatitis C-, alcoholic-, and cholestatic-associated fibrotic and healthy individuals. Two mouse models of liver fibrosis were established: bile duct ligation and carbon tetrachloride injection. We constructed adenovirus vectors to overexpress VHL, normoxia-active HIF-α, and lentiviral vectors to silence HIF-α. The results showed that liver sections from fibrosis patients had a lower level of VHL and higher levels of HIF-1α and HIF-2α compared with healthy sections, a finding which was confirmed in mice. Overexpression of VHL attenuated liver fibrosis, downregulated fibrogenic genes, and inhibited liver inflammation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Overexpression of VHL was more successful at inhibiting fibrosis compared with silencing HIF-1α plus HIF-2α. Normoxia-active HIF-1α or HIF-2α prevented the inhibitory effect of VHL on liver fibrosis, indicating that attenuating fibrosis via VHL is HIF-1α- and HIF-2α-dependent to some extent. In addition, overexpression of VHL inhibited mouse hepatic stellate cells activation and proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Taken together, VHL may be considered a new target to inhibit liver fibrosis.
Tunable spin and valley dependent magneto-optical absorption in molybdenum disulfide quantum dots
Authors: Qu Fanyao , Dias A. C. , Fu Jiyong , Villegas-Lelovsky L. , Azevedo David L.
Published: January 2017

Photonic quantum computer, quantum communication, quantum metrology and quantum optical technologies rely on the single-photon source (SPS). However, the SPS with valley-polarization remains elusive and the tunability of magneto-optical transition frequency and emission/absorption intensity is restricted, in spite of being highly in demand for valleytronic applications. Here we report a new class of SPSs based on carriers spatially localized in two-dimensional monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide quantum dots (QDs). We demonstrate that the photons are absorbed (or emitted) in the QDs with distinct energy but definite valley-polarization. The spin-coupled valley-polarization is invariant under either spatial or magnetic quantum quantization. However, the magneto-optical absorption peaks undergo a blue shift as the quantization is enhanced. Moreover, the absorption spectrum pattern changes considerably with a variation of Fermi energy. This together with the controllability of absorption spectrum by spatial and magnetic quantizations, offers the possibility of tuning the magneto-optical properties at will, subject to the robust spin-coupled valley polarization.
Crude venom from nematocysts of Pelagia noctiluca (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) elicits a sodium conductance in the plasma membrane of mammalian cells
Authors: Morabito Rossana , Costa Roberta , Rizzo Valentina , Remigante Alessia , Nofziger Charity , La Spada Giuseppa , Marino Angela , Paulmichl Markus , Dossena Silvia
Published: January 2017

Cnidarians may negatively impact human activities and public health but concomitantly their venom represents a rich source of bioactive substances. Pelagia noctiluca is the most venomous and abundant jellyfish of the Mediterranean Sea and possesses a venom with hemolytic and cytolytic activity for which the mechanism is largely unknown. Here we show that exposure of mammalian cells to crude venom from the nematocysts of P. noctiluca profoundly alters the ion conductance of the plasma membrane, therefore affecting homeostatic functions such as the regulation and maintenance of cellular volume. Venom-treated cells exhibited a large, inwardly rectifying current mainly due to permeation of Na+ and Cl−, sensitive to amiloride and completely abrogated following harsh thermal treatment of crude venom extract. Curiously, the plasma membrane conductance of Ca2+ and K+ was not affected. Current-inducing activity was also observed following delivery of venom to the cytosolic side of the plasma membrane, consistent with a pore-forming mechanism. Venom-induced NaCl influx followed by water and consequent cell swelling most likely underlie the hemolytic and cytolytic activity of P. noctiluca venom. The present study underscores unique properties of P. noctiluca venom and provides essential information for a possible use of its active compounds and treatment of envenomation.
Genome-wide association analysis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma identifies pleiotropic risk loci
Authors: Law Philip J. , Sud Amit , Mitchell Jonathan S. , Henrion Marc , Orlando Giulia , Lenive Oleg , Broderick Peter , Speedy Helen E. , Johnson David C. , Kaiser Martin , Weinhold Niels , Cooke Rosie , Sunter Nicola J. , Jackson Graham H. , Summerfield Geoffrey , Harris Robert J. , Pettitt Andrew R. , Allsup David J. , Carmichael Jonathan , Bailey James R. , Pratt Guy , Rahman Thahira , Pepper Chris , Fegan Chris , von Strandmann Elke Pogge , Engert Andreas , Försti Asta , Chen Bowang , Filho Miguel Inacio da Silva , Thomsen Hauke , Hoffmann Per , Noethen Markus M. , Eisele Lewin , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Allan James M. , Swerdlow Anthony J. , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Catovsky Daniel , Morgan Gareth J. , Hemminki Kari , Houlston Richard S.
Published: January 2017

B-cell malignancies (BCM) originate from the same cell of origin, but at different maturation stages and have distinct clinical phenotypes. Although genetic risk variants for individual BCMs have been identified, an agnostic, genome-wide search for shared genetic susceptibility has not been performed. We explored genome-wide association studies of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL, N = 1,842), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL, N = 1,465) and multiple myeloma (MM, N = 3,790). We identified a novel pleiotropic risk locus at 3q22.2 (NCK1, rs11715604, P = 1.60 × 10−9) with opposing effects between CLL (P = 1.97 × 10−8) and HL (P = 3.31 × 10−3). Eight established non-HLA risk loci showed pleiotropic associations. Within the HLA region, Ser37 + Phe37 in HLA-DRB1 (P = 1.84 × 10−12) was associated with increased CLL and HL risk (P = 4.68 × 10−12), and reduced MM risk (P = 1.12 × 10−2), and Gly70 in HLA-DQB1 (P = 3.15 × 10−10) showed opposing effects between CLL (P = 3.52 × 10−3) and HL (P = 3.41 × 10−9). By integrating eQTL, Hi-C and ChIP-seq data, we show that the pleiotropic risk loci are enriched for B-cell regulatory elements, as well as an over-representation of binding of key B-cell transcription factors. These data identify shared biological pathways influencing the development of CLL, HL and MM. The identification of these risk loci furthers our understanding of the aetiological basis of BCMs.
Reduction of radiation loss at small-radius bend using spoof surface plasmon polariton transmission line
Authors: Tang Wen Xuan , Zhang Hao Chi , Liu Jun Feng , Xu Jie , Cui Tie Jun
Published: January 2017

Spoof surface plasmon polariton (SPP) has been realized at low frequencies through corrugated metallic structures. As two-dimensional application, the ultrathin SPP transmission lines (TLs) have been proposed with great potentials for microwave compact circuits due to the strong field confinement and enhancement, as well as controllable dispersive properties. In this paper, we examine the radiation loss at small-radius bend, which may cause severe crosstalk in highly-integrated circuits or systems, for the SPP TLs. We theoretically analyze that the SPP TL has essential merit of low radiation loss, and show better performance of SPP TL than the conventional microstrip line through numerical simulations and experiments. Both simulated and measured results demonstrate that the new type of transmission line can efficiently suppress the radiation loss at small-radius bend, and hence reduce the crosstalk in circuits and systems.
The natural retinoprotectant chrysophanol attenuated photoreceptor cell apoptosis in an N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mouse model of retinal degenaration
Authors: Lin Fan-Li , Lin Cheng-Hui , Ho Jau-Der , Yen Jing-Lun , Chang Hung-Ming , Chiou George C. Y. , Cheng Yu-Wen , Hsiao George
Published: January 2017

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited photoreceptor-degenerative disease, and neuronal degeneration in RP is exacerbated by glial activation. Cassia seed (Jue-ming-zi) is a traditional herbal medicine commonly used to treat ocular diseases in Asia. In this report, we investigated the retina-protective effect of chrysophanol, an active component of Cassia seed, in an N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced mouse model of RP. We determined that chrysophanol inhibited the functional and morphological features of MNU-induced retinal degeneration using scotopic electroretinography (ERG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and immunohistochemistry analysis of R/G opsin and rhodopsin. Furthermore, TUNEL assays revealed that chrysophanol attenuated MNU-induced photoreceptor cell apoptosis and inhibited the expression of the apoptosis-associated proteins PARP, Bax, and caspase-3. In addition, chrysophanol ameliorated reactive gliosis, as demonstrated by a decrease in GFAP immunolabeling, and suppressed the activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9-mediated gelatinolysis. In vitro studies indicated that chrysophanol inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression in the BV2 mouse microglia cell line and inhibited MMP-9 activation in primary microglia. Our results demonstrate that chrysophanol provided neuroprotective effects and inhibited glial activation, suggesting that chrysophanol might have therapeutic value for the treatment of human RP and other retinopathies.
Neutrophils are dispensable in the modulation of T cell immunity against cutaneous HSV-1 infection
Authors: Hor Jyh Liang , Heath William R. , Mueller Scott N.
Published: January 2017

Neutrophils rapidly infiltrate sites of inflammation during peripheral infection or tissue injury. In addition to their well described roles as pro-inflammatory phagocytes responsible for pathogen clearance, recent studies have demonstrated a broader functional repertoire including mediating crosstalk between innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Specifically, neutrophils have been proposed to mediate antigen transport to lymph nodes (LN) to modulate T cell priming and to influence T cell migration to infected tissues. Using a mouse model of cutaneous herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection we explored potential contributions of neutrophils toward anti-viral immunity. While a transient, early influx of neutrophils was triggered by dermal scarification, we did not detect migration of neutrophils from the skin to LN. Furthermore, despite recruitment of neutrophils into LN from the blood, priming and expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was unaffected following neutrophil depletion. Finally, we found that neutrophils were dispensable for the migration of effector T cells into infected skin. Our study suggests that the immunomodulatory roles of neutrophils toward adaptive immunity may be context-dependent, and are likely determined by the type of pathogen and anatomical site of infection.
c-Myb knockdown increases the neomycin-induced damage to hair-cell-like HEI-OC1 cells in vitro
Authors: Yu Xiaoyu , Liu Wenwen , Fan Zhaomin , Qian Fuping , Zhang Daogong , Han Yuechen , Xu Lei , Sun Gaoying , Qi Jieyu , Zhang Shasha , Tang Mingliang , Li Jianfeng , Chai Renjie , Wang Haibo
Published: January 2017

c-Myb is a transcription factor that plays a key role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. It has been reported that c-Myb is expressed within the chicken otic placode, but whether c-Myb exists in the mammalian cochlea, and how it exerts its effects, has not been explored yet. Here, we investigated the expression of c-Myb in the postnatal mouse cochlea and HEI-OC1 cells and found that c-Myb was expressed in the hair cells (HCs) of mouse cochlea as well as in cultured HEI-OC1 cells. Next, we demonstrated that c-Myb expression was decreased in response to neomycin treatment in both cochlear HCs and HEI-OC1 cells, suggesting an otoprotective role for c-Myb. We then knocked down c-Myb expression with shRNA transfection in HEI-OC1 cells and found that c-Myb knockdown decreased cell viability, increased expression of pro-apoptotic factors, and enhanced cell apoptosis after neomycin insult. Mechanistic studies revealed that c-Myb knockdown increased cellular levels of reactive oxygen species and decreased Bcl-2 expression, both of which are likely to be responsible for the increased sensitivity of c-Myb knockdown cells to neomycin. This study provides evidence that c-Myb might serve as a new target for the prevention of aminoglycoside-induced HC loss.
Excessive activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors induces apoptotic hair-cell death independent of afferent and efferent innervation
Authors: Sheets Lavinia
Published: January 2017

Accumulation of excess glutamate plays a central role in eliciting the pathological events that follow intensely loud noise exposures and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Glutamate excitotoxicity has been characterized in cochlear nerve terminals, but much less is known about whether excess glutamate signaling also contributes to pathological changes in sensory hair cells. I therefore examined whether glutamate excitotoxicity damages hair cells in zebrafish larvae exposed to drugs that mimic excitotoxic trauma. Exposure to ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) agonists, kainic acid (KA) or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), contributed to significant, progressive hair cell loss in zebrafish lateral-line organs. To examine whether hair-cell loss was a secondary effect of excitotoxic damage to innervating neurons, I exposed neurog1a morphants—fish whose hair-cell organs are devoid of afferent and efferent innervation—to KA or NMDA. Significant, dose-dependent hair-cell loss occurred in neurog1a morphants exposed to either agonist, and the loss was comparable to wild-type siblings. A survey of iGluR gene expression revealed AMPA-, Kainate-, and NMDA-type subunits are expressed in zebrafish hair cells. Finally, hair cells exposed to KA or NMDA appear to undergo apoptotic cell death. Cumulatively, these data reveal that excess glutamate signaling through iGluRs induces hair-cell death independent of damage to postsynaptic terminals.
Progression-related loss of stromal Caveolin 1 levels fosters the growth of human PC3 xenografts and mediates radiation resistance
Authors: Panic Andrej , Ketteler Julia , Reis Henning , Sak Ali , Herskind Carsten , Maier Patrick , Rübben Herbert , Jendrossek Verena , Klein Diana
Published: January 2017

Despite good treatment results in localized prostate tumors, advanced disease stages usually have a pronounced resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The membrane protein caveolin-1 (Cav1) functions here as an important oncogene. Therefore we examined the impact of stromal Cav1 expression for tumor growth and sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR). Silencing of Cav1 expression in PC3 cells resulted in increased tumor growth and a reduced growth delay after IR when compared to tumors generated by Cav1-expressing PC3 cells. The increased radiation resistance was associated with increasing amounts of reactive tumor stroma and a Cav1 re-expression in the malignant epithelial cells. Mimicking the human situation these results were confirmed using co-implantation of Cav1-silenced PC3 cells with Cav1-silenced or Cav1-expressing fibroblasts. Immunohistochemically analysis of irradiated tumors as well as human prostate tissue specimen confirmed that alterations in stromal-epithelial Cav1 expressions were accompanied by a more reactive Cav1-reduced tumor stroma after radiation and within advanced prostate cancer tissues which potentially mediates the resistance to radiation treatment. Conclusively, the radiation response of human prostate tumors is critically regulated by Cav1 expression in stromal fibroblasts. Loss of stromal Cav1 expression in advanced tumor stages may thus contribute to resistance of these tumors to radiotherapy.
Click-Chemistry Based High Throughput Screening Platform for Modulators of Ras Palmitoylation
Authors: Ganesan Lakshmi , Shieh Peyton , Bertozzi Carolyn R. , Levental Ilya
Published: January 2017

Palmitoylation is a widespread, reversible lipid modification that has been implicated in regulating a variety of cellular processes. Approximately one thousand proteins are annotated as being palmitoylated, and for some of these, including several oncogenes of the Ras and Src families, palmitoylation is indispensable for protein function. Despite this wealth of disease-relevant targets, there are currently few effective pharmacological tools to interfere with protein palmitoylation. One reason for this lack of development is the dearth of assays to efficiently screen for small molecular inhibitors of palmitoylation. To address this shortcoming, we have developed a robust, high-throughput compatible, click chemistry-based approach to identify small molecules that interfere with the palmitoylation of Ras, a high value therapeutic target that is mutated in up to a third of human cancers. This assay design shows excellent performance in 384-well format and is sensitive to known, non-specific palmitoylation inhibitors. Further, we demonstrate an ideal counter-screening strategy, which relies on a target peptide from an unrelated protein, the Src-family kinase Fyn. The screening approach described here provides an integrated platform to identify specific modulators of palmitoylated proteins, demonstrated here for Ras and Fyn, but potentially applicable to pharmaceutical targets involved in a variety of human diseases.
Biocapacity optimization in regional planning
Authors: Guo Jianjun , Yue Dongxia , Li Kai , Hui Cang
Published: January 2017

Ecological overshoot has been accelerating across the globe. Optimizing biocapacity has become a key to resolve the overshoot of ecological demand in regional sustainable development. However, most literature has focused on reducing ecological footprint but ignores the potential of spatial optimization of biocapacity through regional planning of land use. Here we develop a spatial probability model and present four scenarios for optimizing biocapacity of a river basin in Northwest China. The potential of enhanced biocapacity and its effects on ecological overshoot and water consumption in the region were explored. Two scenarios with no restrictions on croplands and water use reduced the overshoot by 29 to 53%, and another two scenarios which do not allow croplands and water use to increase worsened the overshoot by 11 to 15%. More spatially flexible transition rules of land use led to higher magnitude of change after optimization. However, biocapacity optimization required a large amount of additional water resources, casting considerable pressure on the already water-scarce socio-ecological system. Our results highlight the potential for policy makers to manage/optimize regional land use which addresses ecological overshoot. Investigation on the feasibility of such spatial optimization complies with the forward-looking policies for sustainable development and deserves further attention.
High-throughput sheathless and three-dimensional microparticle focusing using a microchannel with arc-shaped groove arrays
Authors: Zhao Qianbin , Zhang Jun , Yan Sheng , Yuan Dan , Du Haiping , Alici Gursel , Li Weihua
Published: January 2017

Sheathless particle focusing which utilises the secondary flow with a high throughput has great potential for use in microfluidic applications. In this work, an innovative particle focusing method was proposed. This method makes use of a mechanism that takes advantage of secondary flow and inertial migration. The device was a straight channel with arrays of arc-shaped grooves on the top surface. First, the mechanism and expected focusing phenomenon are explained using numerical simulation of the flow field and force balance. A simulation of particle trajectories was conducted as a reference, and then a series of experiments was designed and the effects of changes in particle size, flow rate and quantity of the groove structure were discussed. The microscopic images show that this particle focusing method performed well for different size particles, and the results agreed well with the theory and simulated results. Finally, the channel successfully concentrated Jurkat cells, which showed a good compatibility in the biological assay field. In this work, the arc-shaped groove channel was demonstrated to have the ability to achieve high-throughput, sheathless and three-dimensional particle focusing with simple operations.
Transit peptide elements mediate selective protein targeting to two different types of chloroplasts in the single-cell C4 species Bienertia sinuspersici
Authors: Wimmer Diana , Bohnhorst Philipp , Shekhar Vinay , Hwang Inhwan , Offermann Sascha
Published: January 2017

Bienertia sinuspersici is a terrestrial plant that performs C4 photosynthesis within individual cells through operating a carbon concentrating mechanism between different subcellular domains including two types of chloroplasts. It is currently unknown how differentiation of two highly specialized chloroplasts within the same cell occurs as no similar cases have been reported. Here we show that this differentiation in photosynthetic cells of B. sinuspersici is enabled by a transit peptide (TP) mediated selective protein targeting mechanism. Mutations in the TPs cause loss of selectivity but not general loss of chloroplast import, indicating the mechanism operates by specifically blocking protein accumulation in one chloroplast type. Hybrid studies indicate that this selectivity is transferable to transit peptides of plants which perform C4 by cooperative function of chloroplasts between two photosynthetic cells. Codon swap experiments as well as introducing an artificial bait mRNA show that RNA affects are not crucial for the sorting process. In summary, our analysis shows how the mechanism of subcellular targeting to form two types of chloroplast within the same cell can be achieved. This information is not only crucial for understanding single-cell C4 photosynthesis; it provides new insights in control of subcellular protein targeting in cell biology.
Mechanistic interplay between ceramide and insulin resistance
Authors: Reali Federico , Morine Melissa J. , Kahramanoğulları Ozan , Raichur Suryaprakash , Schneider Hans-Christoph , Crowther Daniel , Priami Corrado
Published: January 2017

Recent research adds to a growing body of literature on the essential role of ceramides in glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling, while the mechanistic interplay between various components of ceramide metabolism remains to be quantified. We present an extended model of C16:0 ceramide production through both the de novo synthesis and the salvage pathways. We verify our model with a combination of published models and independent experimental data. In silico experiments of the behavior of ceramide and related bioactive lipids in accordance with the observed transcriptomic changes in obese/diabetic murine macrophages at 5 and 16 weeks support the observation of insulin resistance only at the later phase. Our analysis suggests the pivotal role of ceramide synthase, serine palmitoyltransferase and dihydroceramide desaturase involved in the de novo synthesis and the salvage pathways in influencing insulin resistance versus its regulation.
Ethylene response pathway modulates attractiveness of plant roots to soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines
Authors: Hu Yanfeng , You Jia , Li Chunjie , Williamson Valerie M. , Wang Congli
Published: January 2017

Plant parasitic nematodes respond to root exudates to locate their host roots. In our studies second stage juveniles of Heterodera glycines, the soybean cyst nematode (SCN), quickly migrated to soybean roots in Pluronic F-127 gel. Roots of soybean and non-host Arabidopsis treated with the ethylene (ET)-synthesis inhibitor aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) were more attractive to SCN than untreated roots, and significantly more nematodes penetrated into roots. Moreover, Arabidopsis ET insensitive mutants (ein2, ein2-1, ein2-5, ein3-1, ein5-1, and ein6) were more attractive than wild-type plants. Conversely, the constitutive triple-response mutant ctr1-1, was less attractive to SCN. While ET receptor gain-of-function mutant ein4-1 attracted more SCN than the wild-type, there were no significant differences in attractiveness between another gain-of-function ET receptor mutant, etr1-3, or the loss-of-function mutants etr1-7 and ers1-3 and the wild type. Expression of the reporter construct EBS: β-glucuronidase (GUS) was detected in Arabidopsis root tips as early as 6 h post infection, indicating that ET signaling was activated in Arabidopsis early by SCN infection. These results suggest that an active ET signaling pathway reduces root attractiveness to SCN in a way similar to that reported for root-knot nematodes, but opposite to that suggested for the sugar beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii.
Endothelia-Targeting Protection by Escin in Decompression Sickness Rats
Authors: Zhang Kun , Jiang Zhongxin , Ning Xiaowei , Yu Xuhua , Xu Jiajun , Buzzacott Peter , Xu Weigang
Published: January 2017

Endothelial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of decompression sickness (DCS) and contributes substantively to subsequent inflammatory responses. Escin, the main active compound in horse chestnut seed extract, is well known for its endothelial protection and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the potential protection of escin against DCS in rats. Escin was administered orally to adult male rats for 7 d (1.8 mg/kg/day) before a simulated air dive. After decompression, signs of DCS were monitored, and blood and pulmonary tissue were sampled for the detection of endothelia related indices. The incidence and mortality of DCS were postponed and decreased significantly in rats treated with escin compared with those treated with saline (P < 0.05). Escin significantly ameliorated endothelial dysfunction (increased serum E-selectin and ICAM-1 and lung Wet/Dry ratio, decreased serum NO), and oxidative and inflammatory responses (increased serum MDA, MPO, IL-6 and TNF-α) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The results suggest escin has beneficial effects on DCS related to its endothelia-protective properties and might be a drug candidate for DCS prevention and treatment.
Cell Death Mechanisms in Tumoral and Non-Tumoral Human Cell Lines Triggered by Photodynamic Treatments: Apoptosis, Necrosis and Parthanatos
Authors: Soriano J. , Mora-Espí I. , Alea-Reyes M. E. , Pérez-García L. , Barrios L. , Ibáñez E. , Nogués C.
Published: January 2017

Cell death triggered by photodynamic therapy can occur through different mechanisms: apoptosis, necrosis or autophagy. However, recent studies have demonstrated the existence of other mechanisms with characteristics of both necrosis and apoptosis. These new cell death pathways, collectively termed regulated necrosis, include a variety of processes triggered by different stimuli. In this study, we evaluated the cell death mechanism induced by photodynamic treatments with two photosensitizers, meso-tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin sodium salt (Na-H2TCPP) and its zinc derivative Na-ZnTCPP, in two human breast epithelial cell lines, a non-tumoral (MCF-10A) and a tumoral one (SKBR-3). Viability assays showed that photodynamic treatments with both photosensitizers induced a reduction in cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner and no dark toxicity was observed. The cell death mechanisms triggered were evaluated by several assays and cell line-dependent results were found. Most SKBR-3 cells died by either necrosis or apoptosis. By contrast, in MCF-10A cells, necrotic cells and another cell population with characteristics of both necrosis and apoptosis were predominant. In this latter population, cell death was PARP-dependent and translocation of AIF to the nucleus was observed in some cells. These characteristics are related with parthanatos, being the first evidence of this type of regulated necrosis in the field of photodynamic therapy.
Cholesterol Synthetase DHCR24 Induced by Insulin Aggravates Cancer Invasion and Progesterone Resistance in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Dai Miao , Zhu Xiao-Lu , Liu Fei , Xu Qin-Yang , Ge Qiu-Lin , Jiang Shu-Heng , Yang Xiao-Mei , Li Jun , Wang Ya-Hui , Wu Qing-Kai , Ai Zhi-Hong , Teng Yin-Cheng , Zhang Zhi-Gang
Published: January 2017

3β-Hydroxysteroid-Δ24 reductase (DHCR24), the final enzyme of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, has been associated with urogenital neoplasms. However, the function of DHCR24 in endometrial cancer (EC) remains largely elusive. Here, we analyzed the expression profile of DHCR24 and the progesterone receptor (PGR) in our tissue microarray of EC (n = 258), the existing EC database in GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus), and TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas). We found that DHCR24 was significantly elevated in patients with EC, and that the up-regulation of DHCR24 was associated with advanced clinical stage, histological grading, vascular invasion, lymphatic metastasis, and reduced overall survival. In addition, DHCR24 expression could be induced by insulin though STAT3, which directly binds to the promoter elements of DHCR24, as demonstrated by ChIP-PCR and luciferase assays. Furthermore, genetically silencing DHCR24 inhibited the metastatic ability of endometrial cancer cells and up-regulated PGR expression, which made cells more sensitive to progestin. Taken together, we have demonstrated for the first time the crucial role of the insulin/STAT3/DHCR24/PGR axis in the progression of EC by modulating the metastasis and progesterone response, which could serve as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of EC with progesterone receptor loss.
Individuality manifests in the dynamic reconfiguration of large-scale brain networks during movie viewing
Authors: Jang Changwon , Knight Elizabeth Quattrocki , Pae Chongwon , Park Bumhee , Yoon Shin-Ae , Park Hae-Jeong
Published: January 2017

Individuality, the uniqueness that distinguishes one person from another, may manifest as diverse rearrangements of functional connectivity during heterogeneous cognitive demands; yet, the neurobiological substrates of individuality, reflected in inter-individual variations of large-scale functional connectivity, have not been fully evidenced. Accordingly, we explored inter-individual variations of functional connectivity dynamics, subnetwork patterns and modular architecture while subjects watched identical video clips designed to induce different arousal levels. How inter-individual variations are manifested in the functional brain networks was examined with respect to four contrasting divisions: edges within the anteriorversusposterior part of the brain, edges withversuswithout corresponding anatomically-defined structural pathways, inter-versusintra-module connections, and rich club edge types. Inter-subject variation in dynamic functional connectivity occurred to a greater degree within edges localized to anterior rather than posterior brain regions, without adhering to structural connectivity, between modules as opposed to within modules, and in weak-tie local edges rather than strong-tie rich-club edges. Arousal level significantly modulates inter-subject variability in functional connectivity, edge patterns, and modularity, and particularly enhances the synchrony of rich-club edges. These results imply that individuality resides in the dynamic reconfiguration of large-scale brain networks in response to a stream of cognitive demands.
Thermal source Fourier transform infrared microtomography applied to Arctic sea ice diatoms
Authors: Findlay Catherine , Morrison Jason , Mundy C. J. , Sedlmair Julia , Hirschmugl Carol J. , Gough Kathleen M.
Published: January 2017

We have used thermal source Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microtomographic imaging to compare sea ice diatoms growing under different light conditions.
Pentazadiene: a high-nitrogen linkage in energetic materials
Authors: Wang Qi , Pang Fuqing , Wang Guilong , Huang Jinglun , Nie Fude , Chen Fu-Xue
Published: January 2017

The N5-linear energetic moiety of pentazadiene, a new high-nitrogen linkage in energetic materials, has been constructed for the first time from a triazene precursor.
Dual-pathway chain-end modification of RAFT polymers using visible light and metal-free conditions
Authors: Discekici Emre H. , Shankel Shelby L. , Anastasaki Athina , Oschmann Bernd , Lee In-Hwan , Niu Jia , McGrath Alaina J. , Clark Paul G. , Laitar David S. , de Alaniz Javier Read , Hawker Craig J. , Lunn David J.
Published: January 2017

We introduce a simple, dual pathway photochemical strategy for controlling chain end modification of RAFT polymers.
A red-NIR fluorescent dye detecting nuclear DNA G-quadruplexes: in vitro analysis and cell imaging
Authors: Doria F. , Nadai M. , Zuffo M. , Perrone R. , Freccero M. , Richter S. N.
Published: January 2017

Light-up of nuclear G-quadruplex DNA in cells by an aggregating and red/NIR emitting dye.
Electrochemical cycling and beyond: unrevealed activation of MoO3 for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Thangasamy Pitchai , Ilayaraja Nagarajan , Jeyakumar Duraisamy , Sathish Marappan
Published: January 2017

Electrochemical cycling-induced reduction of α-MoO3 to monoclinic molybdenum dioxide and molybdenum sub-oxides with excellent electrochemical HER activity has been demonstrated.
Rigidification or interaction-induced phosphorescence of organic molecules
Authors: Baroncini Massimo , Bergamini Giacomo , Ceroni Paola
Published: January 2017

This feature article presents the principles and most recent examples of organic molecules in which long lived and highly intense room-temperature phosphorescence is switched on by rigidification of the matrix in a crystal or in a polymer or by interaction with other molecules.
Palladium-catalyzed aerobic (1+2) annulation of Csp3–H bonds with olefin for the synthesis of 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene
Authors: Wu Kun , Meng Lingkui , Huai Mingming , Huang Zhiliang , Liu Chao , Qi Xiaotian , Lei Aiwen
Published: January 2017

A novel Pd-catalyzed aerobic (1+2) annulation was developed and the palladation of Csp3–H bonds took place twice at the same position. Mechanistic studies by in situ IR revealed that the second C–H palladation and reductive elimination might be slow steps.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of gold nanoparticles driven by supramolecular host–guest chemistry
Authors: Padilla Marc , Peccati Francesca , Bourdelande José Luis , Solans-Monfort Xavier , Guirado Gonzalo , Sodupe Mariona , Hernando Jordi
Published: January 2017

Gold nanoparticles coated with cyclodextrins show enhanced plasmon-based photocatalytic activities by promoting catalyst–reactant approximationviasupramolecular host–guest complex formation.
A rechargeable Al-ion battery: Al/molten AlCl3–urea/graphite
Authors: Jiao Handong , Wang Chen , Tu Jiguo , Tian Donghua , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: January 2017

A new Al-ion battery with an affordable and nontoxic AlCl3/urea electrolyte.
The small molecule JIB-04 disrupts O2binding in the Fe-dependent histone demethylase KDM4A/JMJD2A
Authors: Cascella Barbara , Lee Soon Goo , Singh Sukrit , Jez Joseph M. , Mirica Liviu M.
Published: January 2017

The pyridine hydrazone JIB-04, a specific inhibitor of Fe- and α-ketoglutarate-dependent, O2-activating histone lysine demethylases, is found to block the binding of O2in KDM4A through an O2-consumption assay, X-ray crystal structure data, and molecular modeling.
Liquefaction-induced emission enhancement of tetraphenylethene derivatives
Authors: Machida Takashi , Taniguchi Ryosuke , Oura Tsuyoshi , Sada Kazuki , Kokado Kenta
Published: January 2017

A typical AIE dye, TPE, was liquefied by attaching long and branched alkyl chains. The obtained liquid dye showed intense emission compared to that of the solid dye or TPE. The linkage between TPE and the alkyl chain led to significant differences in their photoluminescent and thermal properties.
Switching chirality in the assemblies of bio-based amphiphiles solely by varying their alkyl chain length
Authors: Zhang Pei , Ma Jun , Kang Xinchen , Liu Huizhen , Chen Chunjun , Zhang Zhanrong , Zhang Jianling , Han Buxing
Published: January 2017

Chirality inversion in the nanotubes of bio-based amphiphiles could be realized solely by increasing the alkyl chain length.
Scandium(iii) triflate-promoted serine/threonine-selective peptide bond cleavage
Authors: Ni Jizhi , Sohma Youhei , Kanai Motomu
Published: January 2017

The site-selective hydrolysis of peptide bonds at Ser and Thr positions was promoted by scandium(iii) triflate with a high conversion yield.
Heat of capillary condensation in nanopores: new insights from the equation of state
Authors: Tan Sugata P. , Piri Mohammad
Published: January 2017

For the first time, the heat of capillary condensation in nanopores is analyzed as it varies with temperature and pore size.
Selective solute adsorption and partitioning around single PNIPAM chains
Authors: Kanduč Matej , Chudoba Richard , Palczynski Karol , Kim Won Kyu , Roa Rafael , Dzubiella Joachim
Published: January 2017

Computer simulations reveal molecular mechanisms of selective binding of various solute types on a PNIPAM polymer.
Vibrationally-resolved spectroscopic studies of electronically excited states of 1,8-naphthalic anhydride and 1,8-naphthalimide: a delicate interplay between one ππ* and two nπ* states
Authors: Maltseva Elena , Amirjalayer Saeed , Buma Wybren Jan
Published: January 2017

Vibrationally-resolved spectroscopy disentangles coupled vibronic manifolds of lower electronic singlet and triplet states of naphthalene-based heterocyclic chromophores.
Dietary fibre-based SCFA mixtures promote both protection and repair of intestinal epithelial barrier function in a Caco-2 cell model
Authors: Chen Tingting , Kim Choon Young , Kaur Amandeep , Lamothe Lisa , Shaikh Maliha , Keshavarzian Ali , Hamaker Bruce R.
Published: January 2017

Impaired gut barrier function plays an important role in the development of many diseases such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and in HIV infection.
The impact of solvent relative permittivity on the dimerisation of organic molecules well below their solubility limits: examples from brewed coffee and beyond
Authors: Bradley Ellen S. , Hendon Christopher H.
Published: January 2017

Changes in solvent relative permittivity do not greatly affect the dimerisation energies of compounds contained therein.
Copper(i)/(ii)-redox triggered efficient and green rare-earth separation using a heterometallic metal–organic framework
Authors: Hu Yue-Qiao , Zhang Tao , Li Mu-Qing , Wang Yanyan , Zheng Zhiping , Zheng Yan-Zhen
Published: January 2017

A low-cost, highly efficient and green approach to separate Nd and other rare-earth (RE) elements was firstly identified by using crystallization engineering of Cu(i)–RE heterometallic coordination polymers.
A dried droplet calibration approach for the analysis of solid samples through laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Villaseñor Ángela , Greatti Caroline , Boccongelli Marina , Todolí José Luis
Published: January 2017

Liquid standards are deposited, dried and ablated from the solid sample surface for accurate analysis through laser ablation ICP-MS.
Uniformly distributed and in situ iron–nitrogen co-doped porous carbon derived from pork liver for rapid and simultaneous detection of dopamine, uric acid, and paracetamol in human blood serum
Authors: Zhou Haifeng , Chen Jie , Huang Tingting , Chen Dejian , Wu Yijin , Zheng Fengying , Yu Huiwu , Li Shunxing
Published: January 2017

Pork liver with rich nitrogen, iron, and carbon can be transformed into an electrochemical selective sensorviaa one-step calcination method.
Synthesis and characterization of green-emitting Ir(iii) complexes based on a functionalized benzimidazole ligand
Authors: Yu Tianzhi , Yang Fuzhi , Chen Xiaolian , Su Wenming , Zhao Yuling , Zhang Hui , Li Jianfeng
Published: January 2017

Two new Ir(iii) complexes containing a functionalized benzimidazole ligand (L) were successfully synthesized for use in green phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes.
Investigation of furoate-based ionic liquid as efficient SO2 absorbent
Authors: Deng Dongshun , Jiang Yaotai , Liu Xiaobang
Published: January 2017

A series of furoate-based ionic liquids with good absorption and separation performance for SO2 were reported.
Cationic polymerization of isobutylene in toluene: toward well-defined exo-olefin terminated medium molecular weight polyisobutylenes under mild conditions
Authors: Vasilenko Irina V. , Nikishev Pavel A. , Shiman Dmitriy I. , Kostjuk Sergei V.
Published: January 2017

Medium molecular weight polyisobutylenes (∼35 000 g mol−1) with exo-olefin end groups (>80%) can be obtained by cationic polymerization of isobutylene in toluene using iBu2AlCl or iBuAlCl2·nOR2 (n = 0.6–0.8) as co-initiators.
Tungsten doped VO2/microgels hybrid thermochromic material and its smart window application
Authors: Yang Yong-Sheng , Zhou Yang , Chiang Freddy Boey Yin , Long Yi
Published: January 2017

A new thermochromic composite was successfully synthesized by a combination of HPCA microgel and W doped VO2 nanoparticles. Within a suitable working temperature, this composite can provide excellent modulation in both the visible and IR ranges.
Two magnon scattering and anti-damping behavior in a two-dimensional epitaxial TiN/Py(tPy)/β-Ta(tTa) system
Authors: Behera Nilamani , Kumar Ankit , Chaudhary Sujeet , Pandya Dinesh K.
Published: January 2017

Anti-damping in two-magnon scattering free two-dimensional epitaxial Si(400)/TiN(200) (8 nm)/Py(200) (12 nm)/Ta(200) (6 nm) system.
Separation of cyanide from an aqueous solution using armchair silicon carbide nanotubes: insights from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Khataee Alireza , Bayat Golchehreh , Azamat Jafar
Published: January 2017

Separation of cyanide, as a model contaminant, from aqueous solution was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations.
Replica exchange molecular dynamics study of the amyloid beta (11–40) trimer penetrating a membrane
Authors: Ngo Son Tung , Hung Huynh Minh , Tran Khoa Nhat , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: January 2017

The transmembrane Aβ11–40 trimer is investigated for the first time using REMD and FEP.
Synthesis of 2-substituted benzo[b]thiophene via a Pd-catalyzed coupling of 2-iodothiophenol with phenylacetylene
Authors: Chen Jingwen , Xiang Haifeng , Yang Li , Zhou Xiangge
Published: January 2017

A Pd(ii)-catalyzed Sonogashira type cross-coupling reaction between 2-iodothiophenol and phenylacetylene to form 2-substituted benzo[b]thiophenes has been developed with yields up to 87%.
Two new molybdates based on ∞[MonO3n+1]2− units (n = 11, 4) with proton conduction under ionothermal
Authors: Zhao Y. H. , Jin X. C. , Chen L. , Ding Y. F. , Mao Z. , Fu H. , Ao Y. H.
Published: January 2017

Two new members of the ∞[MonO3n+1]2− family with high proton conduction synthesized under ionothermal condition.
A conceptual model to predict uranium removal from aqueous solutions in water–rock systems associated with low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste disposal
Authors: Kenney Janice P. L. , Kirby Matthew E. , Cuadros Javier , Weiss Dominik J.
Published: January 2017

Uranium is removed via adsorption at low and precipitation at high pH, with mobility of precipitates dependant on groundwater chemistry.