bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasminogen kringle 5 suppresses gastric cancer via regulating HIF-1α and GRP78
Authors: Fang Shuhuan , Hong Honghai , Li Lei , He Dan , Xu Zumin , Zuo Shaoyuan , Han Jing , Wu Qiyuan , Dai Zhiyu , Cai Weibin , Ma Jianxing , Shao Chunkui , Gao Guoquan , Yang Xia
Published: October 2017

Inhibition of tumour angiogenesis has an important role in antitumour therapy. However, a recent study indicates that antiangiogenesis therapy may lead to glucose-related protein 78 (GRP78) associated antiapoptotic resistance. The present study aims to elucidate the dual effects of plasminogen kringle 5 (K5) on tumour angiogenesis and apoptosis induction by targeting hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and GRP78. Co-immunoprecipitation and western blotting were used for examining the ubiquitination of HIF-1α and analysing angiogenesis and apoptosis-associated proteins. K5 promoted the sumo/ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation of HIF-1α by upregulating von Hippel-Lindau protein under hypoxia, resulting in the reduction of vascular endothelial growth factor and thus suppressing tumour angiogenesis. Furthermore, K5 decreased GRP78 expression via downregulation of phosphorylated extracellular-regulated protein kinase, leading to caspase-7 cleavage and tumour cell apoptosis. Blocking voltage-dependent anion channel abrogated the effects of K5 on both HIF-1α and GRP78. K5 significantly inhibited the growth of gastric carcinoma xenografts by inhibiting both angiogenesis and apoptosis. The dual effects suggest that K5 might be a promising bio-therapeutic agent in the treatment of gastric cancer, particularly in patients who exhibit the induction of GRP78.
Demethylzeylasteral inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis through suppressing MCL1 in melanoma cells
Authors: Zhao Yuzu , He Jiang , Li Jun , Peng Xingzhi , Wang Xianxing , Dong Zhen , Zhao Erhu , Liu Yaling , Wu Zonghui , Cui Hongjuan
Published: October 2017

Demethylzeylasteral is one of the extracts of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, which plays important roles in multiple biological processes such as inflammation inhibition, as well as immunosuppression. However, anti-cancer function and the underlying mechanisms of demethylzeylasteral in melanoma cells remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that demethylzeylasteral has an anti-tumor property in melanoma cells. Demethylzeylasteral not only inhibits cell proliferation through cell cycle arrest at S phase, but also induces cell apoptosis in melanoma cells. MCL1 is an anti-apoptotic protein in BCL2 family, and amplifies frequently in multiple human cancers. MCL1 is also known as a potential contributor for the resistance of BCL2 inhibitors, as well as various chemotherapeutic drugs. MCL1 is, therefore, regarded as a potential target for cancer therapy. Here, for the first time, we unveil that demethylzeylasteral suppresses the expression of MCL1. Interestingly, MCL1 interacts with S phase-related protein CDK2, and thereby inhibits it’s ubiquitin-dependent degradation. Together, demethylzeylasteral is a promising anti-tumor compound in melanoma cells. Demethylzeylasteral is also a potential inhibitor of MCL1.
Topologically protected Dirac plasmons in a graphene superlattice
Authors: Pan Deng , Yu Rui , Xu Hongxing , García de Abajo F. Javier
Published: October 2017

Topological optical states exhibit unique immunity to defects, rendering them ideal for photonic applications. A powerful class of such states is based on time-reversal symmetry breaking of the optical response. However, existing proposals either involve sophisticated and bulky structural designs or can only operate in the microwave regime. Here we show a theoretical demonstration for highly confined topologically protected optical states to be realized at infrared frequencies in a simple two-dimensional (2D) material structure—a periodically patterned graphene monolayer—subject to a magnetic field of only 2 tesla. In our graphene honeycomb superlattice structures, plasmons exhibit substantial nonreciprocal behavior at the superlattice junctions under moderate static magnetic fields, leading to the emergence of topologically protected edge states and localized bulk modes. This approach is simple and robust for realizing topologically nontrivial optical states in 2D atomic layers, and could pave the way for building fast, nanoscale, defect-immune photonic devices.
Clay mineral formation under oxidized conditions and implications for paleoenvironments and organic preservation on Mars
Authors: Gainey Seth R. , Hausrath Elisabeth M. , Adcock Christopher T. , Tschauner Oliver , Hurowitz Joel A. , Ehlmann Bethany L. , Xiao Yuming , Bartlett Courtney L.
Published: October 2017

Clay mineral-bearing locations have been targeted for martian exploration as potentially habitable environments and as possible repositories for the preservation of organic matter. Although organic matter has been detected at Gale Crater, Mars, its concentrations are lower than expected from meteoritic and indigenous igneous and hydrothermal reduced carbon. We conducted synthesis experiments motivated by the hypothesis that some clay mineral formation may have occurred under oxidized conditions conducive to the destruction of organics. Previous work has suggested that anoxic and/or reducing conditions are needed to synthesize the Fe-rich clay mineral nontronite at low temperatures. In contrast, our experiments demonstrated the rapid formation of Fe-rich clay minerals of variable crystallinity from aqueous Fe3+ with small amounts of aqueous Mg2+. Our results suggest that Fe-rich clay minerals such as nontronite can form rapidly under oxidized conditions, which could help explain low concentrations of organics within some smectite-containing rocks or sediments on Mars.
Formation of non-spherical polymersomes driven by hydrophobic directional aromatic perylene interactions
Authors: Wong Chin Ken , Mason Alexander F. , Stenzel Martina H. , Thordarson Pall
Published: October 2017

Polymersomes, made up of amphiphilic block copolymers, are emerging as a powerful tool in drug delivery and synthetic biology due to their high stability, chemical versatility, and surface modifiability. The full potential of polymersomes, however, has been hindered by a lack of versatile methods for shape control. Here we show that a range of non-spherical polymersome morphologies with anisotropic membranes can be obtained by exploiting hydrophobic directional aromatic interactions between perylene polymer units within the membrane structure. By controlling the extent of solvation/desolvation of the aromatic side chains through changes in solvent quality, we demonstrate facile access to polymersomes that are either ellipsoidal or tubular-shaped. Our results indicate that perylene aromatic interactions have a great potential in the design of non-spherical polymersomes and other structurally complex self-assembled polymer structures.
Erratum: The Bethe-Slater curve revisited; new insights from electronic structure theory
Authors: Cardias R. , Szilva A. , Bergman A. , Marco I. Di , Katsnelson M. I. , Lichtenstein A. I. , Nordström L. , Klautau A. B. , Eriksson O. , Kvashnin Y. O.
Published: October 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Sleep Benefits Memory for Semantic Category Structure While Preserving Exemplar-Specific Information
Authors: Schapiro Anna C. , McDevitt Elizabeth A. , Chen Lang , Norman Kenneth A. , Mednick Sara C. , Rogers Timothy T.
Published: October 2017

Semantic memory encompasses knowledge about both the properties that typify concepts (e.g. robins, like all birds, have wings) as well as the properties that individuate conceptually related items (e.g. robins, in particular, have red breasts). We investigate the impact of sleep on new semantic learning using a property inference task in which both kinds of information are initially acquired equally well. Participants learned about three categories of novel objects possessing some properties that were shared among category exemplars and others that were unique to an exemplar, with exposure frequency varying across categories. In Experiment 1, memory for shared properties improved and memory for unique properties was preserved across a night of sleep, while memory for both feature types declined over a day awake. In Experiment 2, memory for shared properties improved across a nap, but only for the lower-frequency category, suggesting a prioritization of weakly learned information early in a sleep period. The increase was significantly correlated with amount of REM, but was also observed in participants who did not enter REM, suggesting involvement of both REM and NREM sleep. The results provide the first evidence that sleep improves memory for the shared structure of object categories, while simultaneously preserving object-unique information.
Observation of Quantum Zeno Blockade on Chip
Authors: Chen Jia-Yang , Sua Yong Meng , Zhao Zi-Tong , Li Mo , Huang Yu-Ping
Published: October 2017

Overlapping in an optical medium with nonlinear susceptibilities, lightwaves can interact, changing each other’s phase, wavelength, waveform shape, or other properties. Such nonlinear optical phenomena, discovered over a half-century ago, have led to a breadth of important applications. Applied to quantum-mechanical signals, however, these phenomena face fundamental challenges that arise from the multimodal nature of the interaction between the electromagnetic fields, such as phase noises and spontaneous Raman scattering. The quantum Zeno blockade allows strong interaction between lightwaves without physical overlap between them, thus offering a viable solution for the aforementioned challenges, as indicated in recent bulk-optics experiments. Here, we report on the observation of quantum Zeno blockade on chip, where a lightwave is modulated by another in a distinct “interaction-free” manner. For quantum applications, we also verify its operations on single-photon signals. Our results promise a scalable platform for overcoming several longstanding challenges in applied nonlinear and quantum optics, enabling manipulation and interaction of quantum signals without decoherence.
Generalized phase mixing: Turbulence-like behaviour from unidirectionally propagating MHD waves
Authors: Magyar Norbert , Doorsselaere Tom Van , Goossens Marcel
Published: October 2017

We present the results of three-dimensional (3D) ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulations on the dynamics of a perpendicularly inhomogeneous plasma disturbed by propagating Alfvénic waves. Simpler versions of this scenario have been extensively studied as the phenomenon of phase mixing. We show that, by generalizing the textbook version of phase mixing, interesting phenomena are obtained, such as turbulence-like behavior and complex current-sheet structure, a novelty in longitudinally homogeneous plasma excited by unidirectionally propagating waves. This study is in the setting of a coronal hole. However, it constitutes an important finding for turbulence-related phenomena in astrophysics in general, relaxing the conditions that have to be fulfilled in order to generate turbulent behavior.
HSP90 recognizes the N-terminus of huntingtin involved in regulation of huntingtin aggregation by USP19
Authors: He Wen-Tian , Xue Wei , Gao Yong-Guang , Hong Jun-Ye , Yue Hong-Wei , Jiang Lei-Lei , Hu Hong-Yu
Published: October 2017

Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused by aberrant expansion of polyglutamine (polyQ) in the N-terminus of huntingtin (Htt). Our previous study has demonstrated that HSP90 is involved in the triage decision of Htt, but how HSP90 recognizes and regulates Htt remains elusive. We investigated the interaction between HSP90 and the N-terminal fragments of Htt (Htt-N), such as the N-terminal 90-residue fragment (Htt-N90). Our results showed that HSP90 binds to the N-terminal extreme of Htt-N in a sequence just ahead of the polyQ tract. Structural integration of the middle and C-terminal domains of HSP90 is essential for interacting with Htt-N90, and the dimerization mediated by the C-terminal domain facilitates this interaction. Moreover, ubiquitin-specific protease 19 (USP19), a deubiquitinating enzyme interacting with HSP90, up-regulates the protein level of Htt-N90 and consequently promotes its aggregation, whereas disruption of the interaction between Htt-N90 and HSP90 attenuates the effect of USP19 on Htt-N90. Thus, HSP90 interacts with Htt-N90 on the N-terminal amphipathic α-helix, and then recruits USP19 to modulate the protein level and aggregation of Htt-N90. This study provides mechanistic insights into the recognition between HSP90 and the N-terminus of Htt, and the triage decision for the Htt protein by the HSP90 chaperone system.
Nanopore-based single molecule sequencing of the D4Z4 array responsible for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mitsuhashi Satomi , Nakagawa So , Takahashi Ueda Mahoko , Imanishi Tadashi , Frith Martin C. , Mitsuhashi Hiroaki
Published: October 2017

Subtelomeric macrosatellite repeats are difficult to sequence using conventional sequencing methods owing to the high similarity among repeat units and high GC content. Sequencing these repetitive regions is challenging, even with recent improvements in sequencing technologies. Among these repeats, a haplotype carrying a particular sequence and shortening of the D4Z4 array on human chromosome 4q35 causes one of the most prevalent forms of muscular dystrophy with autosomal-dominant inheritance, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Here, we applied a nanopore-based ultra-long read sequencer to sequence a BAC clone containing 13 D4Z4 repeats and flanking regions. We successfully obtained the whole D4Z4 repeat sequence, including the pathogenic geneDUX4in the last D4Z4 repeat. The estimated sequence accuracy of the total repeat region was 99.8% based on a comparison with the reference sequence. Errors were typically observed between purine or between pyrimidine bases. Further, we analyzed the D4Z4 sequence from publicly available ultra-long whole human genome sequencing data obtained by nanopore sequencing. This technology may be a new tool for studying D4Z4 repeats and pathomechanism of FSHD in the future and has the potential to widen our understanding of subtelomeric regions.
Insertion sequence polymorphism and genomic rearrangements uncover hidden Wolbachia diversity in Drosophila suzukii and D. subpulchrella
Authors: Kaur Rupinder , Siozios Stefanos , Miller Wolfgang J. , Rota-Stabelli Omar
Published: October 2017

Ability to distinguish between closely related Wolbachia strains is crucial for understanding the evolution of Wolbachia-host interactions and the diversity of Wolbachia-induced phenotypes. A useful model to tackle these issues is the Drosophila suzukii – Wolbachia association. D. suzukii, a destructive insect pest, harbor a non-CI inducing Wolbachia ‘wSuz’ closely related to the strong CI-inducing wRi strain. Multi locus sequence typing (MLST) suggests presence of genetic homogeneity across wSuz strains infecting European and American D. suzukii populations, although different Wolbachia infection frequencies and host fecundity levels have been observed in both populations. Currently, it is not clear if these differences are due to cryptic wSuz polymorphism, host background, geographical factors or a combination of all of them. Here, we have identified geographical diversity in wSuz in D. suzukii populations from different continents using a highly diagnostic set of markers based on insertion sequence (IS) site polymorphism and genomic rearrangements (GR). We further identified inter-strain diversity between Wolbachia infecting D. suzukii and its sister species D. subpulchrella (wSpc). Based on our results, we speculate that discernible wSuz variants may associate with different observed host phenotypes, a hypothesis that demands future investigation. More generally, our results demonstrate the utility of IS and GRs in discriminating closely related Wolbachia strains.
Genome-wide discovery of long intergenic noncoding RNAs and their epigenetic signatures in the rat
Authors: Li Aimin , Zhou Zhong-Yin , Hei Xinhong , Otecko Newton O. , Zhang Junying , Liu Yajun , Zhou Hongfang , Zhao Zhiqiang , Wang Lei
Published: October 2017

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) play a crucial role in many biological processes. The rat is an important model organism in biomedical research. Recent studies have detected rat lincRNA genes from several samples. However, identification of rat lincRNAs using large-scale RNA-seq datasets remains unreported. Herein, using more than 100 billion RNA-seq reads from 59 publications together with RefSeq and UniGene annotated RNAs, we report 39,154 lincRNA transcripts encoded by 19,162 lincRNA genes in the rat. We reveal sequence and expression similarities in lincRNAs of rat, mouse and human. DNA methylation level of lincRNAs is higher than that of protein-coding genes across the transcription start sites (TSSs). And, three lincRNA genes overlap with differential methylation regions (DMRs) which associate with spontaneously hypertensive disease. In addition, there are similar binding trends for three transcription factors (HNF4A, CEBPA and FOXA1) between lincRNA genes and protein-coding genes, indicating that they harbour similar transcription regulatory mechanisms. To date, this is the most comprehensive assessment of lincRNAs in the rat genome. We provide valuable data that will advance lincRNA research using rat as a model.
Trisomy 21 causes changes in the circulating proteome indicative of chronic autoinflammation
Authors: Sullivan Kelly D. , Evans Donald , Pandey Ahwan , Hraha Thomas H. , Smith Keith P. , Markham Neil , Rachubinski Angela L. , Wolter-Warmerdam Kristine , Hickey Francis , Espinosa Joaquin M. , Blumenthal Thomas
Published: October 2017

Trisomy 21 (T21) causes Down syndrome (DS), but the mechanisms by which T21 produces the different disease spectrum observed in people with DS are unknown. We recently identified an activated interferon response associated with T21 in human cells of different origins, consistent with overexpression of the four interferon receptors encoded on chromosome 21, and proposed that DS could be understood partially as an interferonopathy. However, the impact of T21 on systemic signaling cascades in living individuals with DS is undefined. To address this knowledge gap, we employed proteomics approaches to analyze blood samples from 263 individuals, 165 of them with DS, leading to the identification of dozens of proteins that are consistently deregulated by T21. Most prominent among these proteins are numerous factors involved in immune control, the complement cascade, and growth factor signaling. Importantly, people with DS display higher levels of many pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-6, MCP-1, IL-22, TNF-α) and pronounced complement consumption, resembling changes seen in type I interferonopathies and other autoinflammatory conditions. Therefore, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that increased interferon signaling caused by T21 leads to chronic immune dysregulation, and justify investigations to define the therapeutic value of immune-modulatory strategies in DS.
Midgut Bacterial Diversity of Wild Populations of Phlebotomus (P.) papatasi, the Vector of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Turkey
Authors: Karakuş Mehmet , Karabey Burçin , Orçun Kalkan Şaban , Özdemir Güven , Oğuz Gizem , Erişöz Kasap Özge , Alten Bülent , Töz Seray , Özbel Yusuf
Published: October 2017

Phlebotomine sand flies are hematophagous insects that harbor bacterial, viral and parasitic agents like Bartonella sp., Phleboviruses and Leishmania spp., respectively. There are few reports on bacterial microbiota of Phlebotomus (P.) papatasi but no data available for natural populations of Turkey, where leishmaniasis is endemic. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the midgut bacterial flora of different populations of P. papatasi. Sand flies were collected from different towns (Karaburun, Urla, Ayvacik and Başçayır) located in the western part of Turkey. Laboratory reared P. papatasi were included in the study as an insectarium population. After sterile washing steps, sand flies were dissected and guts were separated. Three pools, (males, unfed females and blood-fed females) were generated for each population. Prokaryotic 16 S rRNA gene was amplified and DGGE was performed. Fourteen different organisms belonging to two Phylum (Proteobactericea and Furmicutes) were identified according to sequence results in the studied pools. The presence of Wolbachia sp. was shown for the first time in the wild-caught sand fly populations of Turkey. This is the first report of gut bacterial flora of wild-caught P. papatasi collected in an endemic area for leishmaniasis in Turkey. Microbiome profiling of wild-caught sand flies will be of great help in the investigating of possible vector control candidates for paratransgenic control approach.
Comprehensive analysis of correlations among codon usage bias, gene expression, and substitution rate in Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaënsis orthologs
Authors: Song Hui , Gao Hongjuan , Liu Jing , Tian Pei , Nan Zhibiao
Published: October 2017

The relationship between evolutionary rates and gene expression in model plant orthologs is well documented. However, little is known about the relationships between gene expression and evolutionary trends inArachisorthologs. We identified 7,435 one-to-one orthologs, including 925 single-copy and 6,510 multiple-copy sequences inArachis duranensisandArachis ipaënsis. Codon usage was stronger for shorter polypeptides, which were encoded by codons with higher GC contents. Highly expressed coding sequences had higher codon usage bias, GC content, and expression breadth. Additionally, expression breadth was positively correlated with polypeptide length, but there was no correlation between gene expression and polypeptide length. Inferred selective pressure was also negatively correlated with both gene expression and expression breadth in all one-to-one orthologs, while positively but non-significantly correlated with gene expression in sequences with signatures of positive selection. Gene expression levels and expression breadth were significantly higher for single-copy genes than for multiple-copy genes. Similarly, the gene expression and expression breadth in sequences with signatures of purifying selection were higher than those of sequences with positive selective signatures. These results indicated that gene expression differed between single-copy and multiple-copy genes as well as sequences with signatures of positive and purifying selection.
Specific eukaryotic plankton are good predictors of net community production in the Western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Lin Yajuan , Cassar Nicolas , Marchetti Adrian , Moreno Carly , Ducklow Hugh , Li Zuchuan
Published: October 2017

Despite our current realization of the tremendous diversity that exists in plankton communities, we have little understanding of how this biodiversity influences the biological carbon pump other than broad paradigms such as diatoms contributing disproportionally to carbon export. Here we combine high-resolution underway O2/Ar, which provides an estimate of net community production, with high-throughput 18 S ribosomal DNA sequencing to elucidate the relationship between eukaryotic plankton community structure and carbon export potential at the Western Antarctica Peninsula (WAP), a region which has experienced rapid warming and ecosystem changes. Our results show that in a diverse plankton system comprised of ~464 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with at least 97% 18 S identity, as few as two or three key OTUs, i.e. large diatoms, Phaeocystis, and mixotrophic/phagotrophic dinoflagellates, can explain a large majority of the spatial variability in the carbon export potential (76–92%). Moreover, we find based on a community co-occurrence network analysis that ecosystems with lower export potential have more tightly coupled communities. Our results indicate that defining plankton communities at a deeper taxonomic resolution than by functional groups and accounting for the differences in size and coupling between groups can substantially improve organic carbon flux predictions.
Site of asteroid impact changed the history of life on Earth: the low probability of mass extinction
Authors: Kaiho Kunio , Oshima Naga
Published: October 2017

Sixty-six million years ago, an asteroid approximately 9 km in diameter hit the hydrocarbon- and sulfur-rich sedimentary rocks in what is now Mexico. Recent studies have shown that this impact at the Yucatan Peninsula heated the hydrocarbon and sulfur in these rocks, forming stratospheric soot and sulfate aerosols and causing extreme global cooling and drought. These events triggered a mass extinction, including dinosaurs, and led to the subsequent macroevolution of mammals. The amount of hydrocarbon and sulfur in rocks varies widely, depending on location, which suggests that cooling and extinction levels were dependent on impact site. Here we show that the probability of significant global cooling, mass extinction, and the subsequent appearance of mammals was quite low after an asteroid impact on the Earth’s surface. This significant event could have occurred if the asteroid hit the hydrocarbon-rich areas occupying approximately 13% of the Earth’s surface. The site of asteroid impact, therefore, changed the history of life on Earth.
Cationic starch/pDNA nanocomplexes assembly and their nanostructure changes on gene transfection efficiency
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Li Xiaoxi , Chen Ling , Huang Xiaoyi , Li Lin
Published: October 2017

This study aims at developing biocompatible starch based gene carriers with good gene delivery and transfection efficacy. By controlling the molecular weight and aggregation behavior of spermine modified cationic starch (CS) molecules, nanocomplexes spontaneously formed through electrostatic interaction using CS and plasmid pAcGFP1-C1 (pDNA) displaying different structural changes (particle size, zeta potential, shape, compactness) response to the simulated intracellular pH variation. Results indicated that CS2 with weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 6.337 × 104 g/mol displayed relatively higher transfection efficacy (~30%) in HepG2 cells than others and revealed significantly low cytotoxicity. By simulating the intracellular pH variation, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) results demonstrated that CS2 could bind to pDNA tightly and form nanocomplexes with smaller and compact internal aggregate structure at acidic conditions, which facilitated the effective pDNA protection under endosome pH change, while larger and loose internal aggregate structure at physiological pH which promoted the disintegration of CS2/pDNA nanocomplexes. Therefore, CS with suitable Mw of around 6.0 × 104 g/mol represents a potential gene carrier for gene delivery. This study also demonstrated that controlling the internal nanostructure change of polymer/gene nanocomplexes could provide guidance in designing effective starch based gene carriers.
Thyroid hormone inhibits growth of hepatoma cells through induction of miR-214
Authors: Huang Po-Shuan , Lin Yang-Hsiang , Chi Hsiang-Cheng , Chen Pei-Yu , Huang Ya-Hui , Yeh Chau-Ting , Wang Chia-Siu , Lin Kwang-Huei
Published: October 2017

Thyroid hormone (TH) plays a role in regulating the metabolic rate, heart functions, muscle control and maintenance of bones. 3,3′5-tri-iodo-L-thyronine (T3) displays high affinity to nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (TRs), which mediate most TH actions. Recent studies have shown hypothyroidism in patients with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-protein-coding RNA, are suggested to control tumor growth by interacting with target genes. However, the clinical significance of T3/TR-regulated miRNAs in tumors has yet to be established. In the current study, miRNA expression profile screening was performed using SYBR Green-Based qRT-PCR array in TR-overexpressing HepG2 cells. miR-214-3p, which is expressed at low levels in HCC, was stimulated upon T3 application. The 3′UTR luciferase reporter assay confirmed that the proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase, PIM-1, is a miR-214-3p target. PIM-1 was decreased upon treatment with miR-214-3p or T3 stimulation. PIM-1 was highly expressed in HCC, and the effect of PIM-1 on cell proliferation might be mediated by the inhibition of p21. Furthermore, the T3-induced suppression of cell proliferation was partially rescued upon miR-214-3p knockdown. Our data demonstrate that T3 induces miR-214-3p expression and suppresses cell proliferation through PIM-1, thus contributing to the inhibition of HCC tumor formation.
High-fat diet and chronic stress aggravate adrenal function abnormality induced by prenatal caffeine exposure in male offspring rats
Authors: He Zheng , Lv Feng , Ding Yufeng , Huang Hegui , Liu Lian , Zhu Chunyan , Lei Youyin , Zhang Li , Si Cai , Wang Hui
Published: October 2017

We previously demonstrated thatprenatal caffeine exposure (PCE) suppressed fetal adrenal steroidogenesis and resulted in developmental programming changes in offspring rats. However, whether these changes play a role in adrenal corticosterone synthesis under high-fat diet (HFD) and unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) remains unknown. In present study, rat model was established by PCE (120 mg/kg.d), and male offspring were provided normal diet or HFD after weaning. At postnatal week 21, several rats fed HFD were exposed to UCS for 3 weeks and sacrificed. The results showed that compared with the corresponding control group, the serum corticosterone levels and adrenal steroid synthetase expression of the PCE offspring without UCS were reduced. Moreover, the glucocorticoid (GC)-activation system was inhibited, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling pathway expression was increased. With UCS exposure in the PCE offspring, serum corticosterone levels and adrenal steroid synthetase expression were increased, the activity of GC-activation system was enhanced, and adrenal IGF1 signaling pathway expression was decreased. Based on these findings, PCE induced adrenal hypersensitivity in adult male offspring rats, as shown by the reduced corticosterone levels under HFD conditions but significantly enhanced corticosterone levels with UCS, in which GC-IGF1 axis programming alteration may play an important role.
Gut microbiota profile in systemic sclerosis patients with and without clinical evidence of gastrointestinal involvement
Authors: Patrone Vania , Puglisi Edoardo , Cardinali Marco , Schnitzler Tobias S. , Svegliati Silvia , Festa Antonella , Gabrielli Armando , Morelli Lorenzo
Published: October 2017

Recent evidence suggests that there is a link between the gut microbial community and immune-mediated disorders. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immunonological abnormalities, vascular lesions, and extensive fibrosis. Since the gastrointestinal tract is one of the organs most involved, the goal of this study was to explore the composition of the intestinal microbiota in SSc patients with (SSc/GI+) and without gastrointestinal involvement (SSc/GI-) in comparison to healthy controls (HC). The fecal bacterial composition was investigated by Illumina sequencing of 16 S rRNA gene amplicons. The fecal microbiota of SSc/GI+ subjects was characterized by higher levels of Lactobacillus, Eubacterium and Acinetobacter compared with healthy controls, and lower proportions of Roseburia, Clostridium, and Ruminococcus. The gut microbiota of SSc/GI- subjects was more similar to the microbiota of HC than to that of SSc/GI+ subjects albeit Streptococcus salivarius was over-represented in SSc/GI- fecal samples compared with both SSc/GI+ subjects and controls. Our study reveals microbial signatures of dysbiosis in the gut microbiota of SSc patients that are associated with clinical evidence of gastrointestinal disease. Further studies are needed to elucidate the potential role of these perturbations in the onset and progression of systemic sclerosis, and gastrointestinal involvement in particular.
Experimental preeclampsia in rats affects vascular gene expression patterns
Authors: Lip Simone V. , van der Graaf Anne Marijn , Wiegman Marjon J. , Scherjon Sicco A. , Boekschoten Mark V. , Plösch Torsten , Faas Marijke M.
Published: October 2017

Normal pregnancy requires adaptations of the maternal vasculature. During preeclampsia these adaptations are not well established, which may be related to maternal hypertension and proteinuria. The effects of preeclampsia on the maternal vasculature are not yet fully understood. We aimed to evaluate gene expression in aortas of pregnant rats with experimental preeclampsia using a genome wide microarray. Aortas were isolated from pregnant Wistar outbred rats with low-dose LPS-induced preeclampsia (ExpPE), healthy pregnant (Pr), non-pregnant and low-dose LPS-infused non-pregnant rats. Gene expression was measured by microarray and validated by real-time quantitative PCR. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was performed to compare the groups. Functional analysis of the aorta was done by isotonic contraction measurements while stimulating aortic rings with potassium chloride. 526 genes were differentially expressed, and positive enrichment of “potassium channels”, “striated muscle contraction”, and “neuronal system” gene sets were found in ExpPE vs. Pr. The potassium chloride-induced contractile response of ExpPE aortic rings was significantly decreased compared to this response in Pr animals. Our data suggest that potassium channels, neuronal system and (striated) muscle contraction in the aorta may play a role in the pathophysiology of experimental preeclampsia. Whether these changes are also present in preeclamptic women needs further investigation.
Spring warming increases the abundance of an invasive specialist insect: links to phenology and life history
Authors: Ju Rui-Ting , Gao Lei , Wei Shu-Juan , Li Bo
Published: October 2017

Under global warming, shifts in phenological synchrony between insects and host plants (i.e., changes in the relative timing of the interaction) may reduce resource availability to specialist insects. Some specialists, however, can flexibly track the shifts in host-plant phenology, allowing them to obtain sufficient resources and therefore to benefit from rising temperatures. Here, we investigated the effects of experimental warming on the life history of an invasive, specialist lace bug (Corythucha ciliata) and on the leaf expansion of its host plant (Platanus × acerifolia) in two spring seasons under field conditions in Shanghai, China. We found that a 2 °C increase in mean air temperature advanced the timing of the expansion of host leaves and of the activities of overwintering adult insects in both years but did not disrupt their synchrony. Warming also directly increased the reproduction of overwintering adults and enhanced the development and survival of their offspring. These results indicate thatC. ciliatacan well track the earlier emergence of available resources in response to springtime warming. Such plasticity, combined with the direct effects of rising temperatures, may increase the insect’s population size and outbreak potential in eastern China under climate warming.
Entrainment of Voluntary Movement to Undetected Auditory Regularities
Authors: Schurger Aaron , Faivre Nathan , Cammoun Leila , Trovó Bianca , Blanke Olaf
Published: October 2017

In physics “entrainment” refers to the synchronization of two coupled oscillators with similar fundamental frequencies. In behavioral science, entrainment refers to the tendency of humans to synchronize their movements with rhythmic stimuli. Here, we asked whether human subjects performing a tapping task would entrain their tapping to an undetected auditory rhythm surreptitiously introduced in the guise of ambient background noise in the room. Subjects performed two different tasks, one in which they tapped their finger at a steady rate of their own choosing and one in which they performed a single abrupt finger tap on each trial after a delay of their own choosing. In both cases we found that subjects tended to tap in phase with the inducing modulation, with some variability in the preferred phase across subjects, consistent with prior research. In the repetitive tapping task, if the frequency of the inducing stimulus was far from the subject’s own self-paced frequency, then entrainment was abolished, consistent with the properties of entrainment in physics. Thus, undetected ambient noise can influence self-generated movements. This suggests that uncued decisions to act are never completely endogenous, but are subject to subtle unnoticed influences from the sensory environment.
Leishmaniasis, Impact and Therapeutic Needs
Authors: Alvar Jorge , Arana Byron
Published: October 2017

This chapter provides a general overview of the current situation of leishmaniasis, including the biology of the parasite, description of the main clinical forms and its geographical distribution and transmission factors. Special emphasis is placed on the recent outbreaks of leishmaniasis, as well as the role of human migration and invasiveness of the environment in influencing the distribution of the disease and its transmission. In this regard, the relevance of HIV–Leishmania coinfection and of asymptomatic carriers is pinpointed. A description of control strategies, including diagnostic methods, biomarkers and, of utmost relevance, treatment options, including drug combinations, are analysed from a geographical and pathological perspective. The importance of and efforts aimed at increasing drug accessibility for the population in highly endemic areas in order to curtail the incidence of leishmaniasis are described. Finally, the foreseeable evolution of the disease and the ways to tackle unfulfilled challenges are examined.
The Macrophage–Parasite Interface as a Chemotherapeutic Target in Leishmaniasis
Authors: Descoteaux Albert
Published: October 2017

Parasites of the genus Leishmania are intravacuolar pathogens that create compartments within their mammalian hosts where they can live, replicate and manipulate host immune responses. To generate these parasitophorous vacuoles, Leishmania diverts the default phagolysosomal biogenesis process, in part through the action of virulence factors on the host cell membrane fusion machinery. Components of this machinery essential to the biogenesis, maintenance and function of parasitophorous vacuoles may constitute attractive targets for the design of compounds that will disrupt the integrity of the Leishmania intracellular niche and interfere with parasite replication. Targeting components of the fusion machinery thus represents a promising avenue for the discovery of anti-leishmanial compounds that may not be plagued with problems associated with the development of resistance.
Simple and rapid colorimetric detection of melanoma circulating tumor cells using bifunctional magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Li Junrong , Wang Jing , Wang Yuling , Trau Matt
Published: October 2017

The rapid and sensitive detection of melanoma circulating tumor cells was achieved utilizing the nanozyme activity and separation property of magnetic nanoparticles.
Dopamine coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles as enzyme mimics for the sensitive detection of bacteria
Authors: Mumtaz Shazia , Wang Li-Sheng , Hussain Syed Zajif , Abdullah Muhammad , Huma Zille , Iqbal Zafar , Creran Brian , Rotello Vincent M. , Hussain Irshad
Published: October 2017

Colorimetric sensing of bacteria using dopamine-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles.
p-Selective (sp2)-C–H functionalization for an acylation/alkylation reaction using organic photoredox catalysis
Authors: Pandey Ganesh , Tiwari Sandip Kumar , Singh Bhawana , Vanka Kumar , Jain Shailja
Published: October 2017

p-Selective (sp2)-C–H functionalization of electron rich arenes has been achieved for acylation and alkylation reactions, respectively, with acyl/alkylselenides by organic photoredox catalysis involving an interesting mechanistic pathway.
A NIR phosphorescent osmium(ii) complex as a lysosome tracking reagent and photodynamic therapeutic agent
Authors: Zhang Pingyu , Wang Yi , Qiu Kangqiang , Zhao Zhiqian , Hu Rentao , He Chuanxin , Zhang Qianling , Chao Hui
Published: October 2017

In comparison to a ruthenium(ii) complex, an osmium(ii) complex has great advantages of NIR phosphorescence imaging and NIR photodynamic therapy.
Demixing and ordering in Ni(Ti,Zr)(Sb,Sn) half-Heusler materials
Authors: Miranda Mena Joaquin , Gruhn Thomas
Published: October 2017

We employed density functional theory, Monte Carlo simulations and a mean field model to study phase separation in thermoelectric Ni(Ti,Zr)(Sb,Sn) half-Heusler materials, simultaneously alloyed in the (Ti,Zr)- and (Sb,Sn) sublattices.
Improved multivariate analysis for fast and selective monitoring of structural dynamics by in situ X-ray powder diffraction
Authors: Guccione Pietro , Palin Luca , Milanesio Marco , Belviso Benny Danilo , Caliandro Rocco
Published: October 2017

New algorithms for peak alignment of diffraction profiles and advanced multivariate analysis allow improving structural characterization by in situ experiments.
Half-sandwich complexes of Ir(iii), Rh(iii) and Ru(ii) with the MaxPhos ligand: metal centred chirality and cyclometallation
Authors: Téllez Juan , Gallen Albert , Ferrer Joaquina , Lahoz Fernando J. , García-Orduña Pilar , Riera Antoni , Verdaguer Xavier , Carmona Daniel , Grabulosa Arnald
Published: October 2017

The MaxPhos ligand forms half-sandwich Rh, Ir and Ru complexes diastereoselectively. The Ir complex cyclometallates through C(sp3)–H activation.
Microwave-assisted activation and modulator removal in zirconium MOFs for buffer-free CWA hydrolysis
Authors: Kalinovskyy Y. , Cooper N. J. , Main M. J. , Holder S. J. , Blight B. A.
Published: October 2017

We present a new microwave assisted activation and modulator removal methodology for zirconium MOFs for buffer-free CWA hydrolysis.
Electrochemical deposition for the separation and recovery of metals using carbon nanotube-enabled filters
Authors: O'Connor Megan P. , Coulthard Riley M. , Plata Desiree L.
Published: October 2017

A carbon-nanotube enabled electrochemical filter was developed to separate and recover metals from mixed metal waste streams.
An overview of cathode materials for microbial electrosynthesis of chemicals from carbon dioxide
Authors: Aryal Nabin , Ammam Fariza , Patil Sunil A. , Pant Deepak
Published: October 2017

The applicability of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) for chemical synthesis from carbon dioxide (CO2) requires improved production and energetic efficiencies. The electrode material and its interaction with the biocatalyst greatly influence the MES performance.
Electrophilic activation of aminocarboxylic acid by phosphate ester promotes Friedel–Crafts acylation by overcoming charge–charge repulsion
Authors: Sumita Akinari , Otani Yuko , Ohwada Tomohiko
Published: October 2017

o-Methyl salicylates enhance the reactivity of the phosphate ester via a protonation-induced conformational change to generate acyl phosphate, thereby overwhelming the charge–charge repulsion associated with formation of the acylium ion, enabling aromatic ketones to be generated from various carboxylic acids.
Cobalt-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with isochroman using molecular oxygen as the oxidant
Authors: Yang Qingjing , Li Sifeng , Wang Jun (Joelle)
Published: October 2017

A cobalt-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling of 2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with isochroman is developed using molecular oxygen as the oxidant.
Highly diastereoselective access to polyfunctionalized 1,3-oxazines promoted by Brønsted/Lewis acids
Authors: Peter Clovis , Geoffroy Philippe , Miesch Michel
Published: October 2017

The Brønsted/Lewis acid catalyzed reaction of α-alkyloxyamides tethered to α,β-unsaturated ketones (aldehydes) afforded exclusively polyfunctionalized 1,3-oxazines with high diastereoselectivities and in high yields.
Diastereoselective one pot five-component reaction toward 4-(tetrazole)-1,3-oxazinanes
Authors: Chandgude Ajay L. , Narducci Daniele , Kurpiewska Katarzyna , Kalinowska-Tłuścik Justyna , Dömling Alexander
Published: October 2017

A diastereoselective one pot five-component reaction toward the synthesis of 4-(tetrazole)-1,3-oxazinanes has been reported.
Heterostructured ZnFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposites with a highly recyclable visible-light-response for bisphenol A degradation
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Binh , Doong Ruey-an
Published: October 2017

The novel visible-light-sensitive ZnFe2O4–TiO2 photocatalysts are successfully fabricated by a facile solvothermal method toward BPA photodegradation under different light sources.
Highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for Fe3+ and hazardous phenol compounds based on a water-stable Zn-based metal–organic framework in aqueous media
Authors: Li Huijun , He Yaling , Li Qingqing , Li Shaojie , Yi Zhihao , Xu Zhouqing , Wang Yuan
Published: October 2017

A novel metal–organic framework (MOF), specifically a Zn-MOF, exhibited excellent performance in highly sensitive and selective sensing of Fe3+ and hazardous phenol compounds.
Influence of defects induced by chemical treatment on the electrical and thermal conductivity of nanofluids containing carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Van Trinh Pham , Anh Nguyen Ngoc , Tam Nguyen Trong , Hong Nguyen Tuan , Hong Phan Ngoc , Minh Phan Ngoc , Thang Bui Hung
Published: October 2017

Influence of defects induced by chemical treatment on the electrical and thermal conductivity of nanofluids containing MWCNT–COOH was investigated and presented.
Closed-loop solvometallurgical process for recovery of lead from iron-rich secondary lead smelter residues
Authors: Forte Federica , Horckmans Liesbeth , Broos Kris , Kim Eunyoung , Kukurugya Frantisek , Binnemans Koen
Published: October 2017

A solvometallurgical process based on acetic acid was developed for the recovery of lead from iron-rich residues (matte and slag).
Insights into the ligand effects of rhodium catalysts toward reductive carbonylation of methanol to ethanol
Authors: Chen Yingzan , Liu Dianhua , Yu Yi
Published: October 2017

Steric congestion on the reactivity of Rh-based catalysts with diphosphine modified for reductive carbonylation of methanol to ethanol.
Preparation of diamond-based AuNP-modified nanocomposites with elevated catalytic performances
Authors: Zhao Xinna , Jiao Tifeng , Xing Ruirui , Huang Hao , Hu Jie , Qu Yuan , Zhou Jingxin , Zhang Lexin , Peng Qiuming
Published: October 2017

Diamond@graphene oxide@gold nanoparticle (D@GO@AuNP) nanocomposite materials with excellent catalytic activity and high recyclability were prepared, demonstrating potential applications as a composite catalytic material.
Hierarchical excluded volume screening in solutions of bottlebrush polymers
Authors: Paturej Jarosław , Kreer Torsten
Published: October 2017

Concentration-dependent properties of bottlebrush polymers in solutions demonstrate a sequence of decays facilitated by their hierarchical structure.
Non-fullerene acceptors based on fused-ring oligomers for efficient polymer solar cells via complementary light-absorption
Authors: Li Renlong , Liu Gongchu , Xiao Manjun , Yang Xiye , Liu Xiang , Wang Zhenfeng , Ying Lei , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: October 2017

Two new non-fullerene acceptors with expanded end-groups were developed, which present an improved power conversion efficiency up to 9.0%.
Fe3S4@Li7P3S11 nanocomposites as cathode materials for all-solid-state lithium batteries with improved energy density and low cost
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Mwizerwa Jean Pierre , Wan Hongli , Cai Liangting , Xu Xiaoxiong , Yao Xiayin
Published: October 2017

All-solid-state lithium batteries using Fe3S4@Li7P3S11 nanocomposite electrodes exhibit improved energy density and cycling stability due to an intimate interfacial architecture.