bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dysfunction of IKZF1/MYC/MDIG axis contributes to liver cancer progression through regulating H3K9me3/p21 activity
Authors: Huo Qi , Ge Chao , Tian Hua , Sun Ji , Cui Meiling , Li Hong , Zhao Fangyu , Chen Taoyang , Xie Haiyang , Cui Ying , Yao Ming , Li Jinjun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMDIG is known to be overexpressed in many types of human cancers and has demonstrated predictive power in the prognosis of cancer, although the functions and mechanisms of MDIG in liver cancer, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), are still unknown. In this study, we report that MDIG and MYC were negatively regulated by IKZF1. MDIG overexpression substantially promoted HCC cell proliferation, cell migration and spreading, whereas knockdown of MDIG would reverse above-mentioned effect. MDIG effects on tumour cell growth were further demonstrated in a tumour xenograft model. Moreover, MDIG had effects on the level of p21(CIP1/WAF1) via H3K9me3 expression in HCC. MDIG was also found to be closely related to the sorafenib resistance of HCC cells in vitro. Clinically, we found that MDIG was frequently overexpressed in human HCCs (69.7%; n=155) and was significantly associated with histological grade and hepatitis B virus infection. Our findings indicate that MDIG plays an important role in HCC progression via MDIG/H3K9me3/p21(CIP1/WAF1) signalling and serves as a potential therapeutic target.
Fabrication of MoSe2 nanoribbons via an unusual morphological phase transition
Authors: Chen Yuxuan , Cui Ping , Ren Xibiao , Zhang Chendong , Jin Chuanhong , Zhang Zhenyu , Shih Chih-Kang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTransition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a family of van der Waals layered materials exhibiting unique electronic, optical, magnetic and transport properties. Their technological potentials hinge critically on the ability to achieve controlled fabrication of desirable nanostructures, such as nanoribbons and nanodots. To date, nanodots/nanoislands have been regularly observed, while controlled fabrication of TMD nanoribbons remains challenging. Here we report a bottom-up fabrication of MoSe2 nanoribbons using molecular beam epitaxy, via an unexpected temperature-induced morphological phase transition from the nanodot to nanoribbon regime. Such nanoribbons are of zigzag nature, characterized by distinct chemical and electronic properties along the edges. The phase space for nanoribbon growth is narrowly defined by proper Se:Mo ratios, as corroborated experimentally using different Se fluxes, and supported theoretically using first-principles calculations that establish the crucial role of the morphological reconstruction of the bare Mo-terminated edge. The growth mechanism revealed should be applicable to other TMD systems.
Magnetotransport on the nano scale
Authors: Willke Philip , Kotzott Thomas , Pruschke Thomas , Wenderoth Martin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTransport experiments in strong magnetic fields show a variety of fascinating phenomena like the quantum Hall effect, weak localization or the giant magnetoresistance. Often they originate from the atomic-scale structure inaccessible to macroscopic magnetotransport experiments. To connect spatial information with transport properties, various advanced scanning probe methods have been developed. Capable of ultimate spatial resolution, scanning tunnelling potentiometry has been used to determine the resistance of atomic-scale defects such as steps and interfaces. Here we combine this technique with magnetic fields and thus transfer magnetotransport experiments to the atomic scale. Monitoring the local voltage drop in epitaxial graphene, we show how the magnetic field controls the electric field components. We find that scattering processes at localized defects are independent of the strong magnetic field while monolayer and bilayer graphene sheets show a locally varying conductivity and charge carrier concentration differing from the macroscopic average.
Electroconvulsive therapy-induced brain functional connectivity predicts therapeutic efficacy in patients with schizophrenia: a multivariate pattern recognition study
Authors: Li Peng , Jing Ri-xing , Zhao Rong-jiang , Ding Zeng-bo , Shi Le , Sun Hong-qiang , Lin Xiao , Fan Teng-teng , Dong Wen-tian , Fan Yong , Lu Lin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPrevious studies suggested that electroconvulsive therapy can influence regional metabolism and dopamine signaling, thereby alleviating symptoms of schizophrenia. It remains unclear what patients may benefit more from the treatment. The present study sought to identify biomarkers that predict the electroconvulsive therapy response in individual patients. Thirty-four schizophrenia patients and 34 controls were included in this study. Patients were scanned prior to treatment and after 6 weeks of treatment with antipsychotics only (n = 16) or a combination of antipsychotics and electroconvulsive therapy (n = 13). Subject-specific intrinsic connectivity networks were computed for each subject using a group information-guided independent component analysis technique. Classifiers were built to distinguish patients from controls and quantify brain states based on intrinsic connectivity networks. A general linear model was built on the classification scores of first scan (referred to as baseline classification scores) to predict treatment response. Classifiers built on the default mode network, the temporal lobe network, the language network, the corticostriatal network, the frontal-parietal network, and the cerebellum achieved a cross-validated classification accuracy of 83.82%, with specificity of 91.18% and sensitivity of 76.47%. After the electroconvulsive therapy, psychosis symptoms of the patients were relieved and classification scores of the patients were decreased. Moreover, the baseline classification scores were predictive for the treatment outcome. Schizophrenia patients exhibited functional deviations in multiple intrinsic connectivity networks which were able to distinguish patients from healthy controls at an individual level. Patients with lower classification scores prior to treatment had better treatment outcome, indicating that the baseline classification scores before treatment is a good predictor for treatment outcome.
Analytical evidence of enamel hypomineralisation on permanent and primary molars amongst past populations
Authors: Garot Elsa , Couture-Veschambre Christine , Manton David , Beauval Cédric , Rouas Patrick 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMolar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) and Hypomineralised Second Primary Molars (HSPM) involve prevalent qualitative structural developmental anomalies of tooth enamel affecting the first permanent molars (and often incisors) and the second primary molars, respectively. These demarcated hypomineralised lesions of enamel manifest as white-cream or yellow-brown opacities, with possible post-eruptive localised loss of enamel. Aetiological hypotheses have involved contemporary life factors (i.e. environmental pollutant exposure or early childhood medications) in contrast to factors not limited to a specific time period (i.e. hypoxia at birth or genetic predisposition). Evidence of MIH in ancient populations would reinforce aetiological factors present for many centuries. By means of microtomographic and X-ray fluorescence analyses the present study provides evidence that (i) two archaeological specimens: “S407” (Sains-en-Gohelle, France, 12th–16thcenturies) and “B335” (Beauvais, France, 15th–18thcenturies) were MIH-affected, and (ii) one individual “S323” was affected by HSPM and MIH (Sains-en-Gohelle, France, 7th–11thcenturies).
Some dietary factors can modulate the effect of the zinc transporters 8 polymorphism on the risk of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Hosseini-Esfahani Firoozeh , Mirmiran Parvin , Koochakpoor Gelareh , Daneshpour Maryam S. , Guity Kamran , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThere are conflicting data on the impact of zinc transporter 8 (ZNT8) gene variations on the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Hence, the effects of the interaction between rs13266634 and dietary factors on the risk of MetS were investigated in this study. Subjects of this nested case-control study were selected from the participants in Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Each of the cases (n = 817) was individually matched with a control. Dietary patterns were determined using factor analysis. The ZNT8 rs13266634 were genotyped by the Tetra-refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Two dietary patterns were extracted. There were no significant interactions between the ZNT8 SNP and the dietary patterns on the risk of MetS or its components. An interaction was observed between rs13266634 and the omega-3 fatty acid intakes on the risk of MetS in subjects with the CC genotype (P interaction < 0.01). Zinc modified the association of the ZNT8 variant with high fasting blood sugar (P interaction = 0.05) in CC genotype carriers. An interaction was also observed between rs13266634 and salty snacks at the risk of abdominal obesity (P interaction < 0.05). Our findings suggest an interaction between omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, salty snacks and rs13266634, which may affect the risk of MetS or its components.
Dendritic Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles mediate Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell recruitment
Authors: Silva Andreia M. , Almeida Maria I. , Teixeira José H. , Maia André F. , Calin George A. , Barbosa Mário A. , Santos Susana G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOrchestration of bone repair processes requires crosstalk between different cell populations, including immune cells and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC). Extracellular vesicles (EV) as mediators of these interactions remain vastly unexplored. Here, we aimed to determine the mechanism of MSC recruitment by Dendritic Cells (DC), hypothesising that it would be mediated by EV. Primary human DC-secreted EV (DC-EV), isolated by ultracentrifugation, were characterized for their size, morphology and protein markers, indicating an enrichment in exosomes. DC-EV were readily internalized by human bone marrow-derived MSC, without impacting significantly their proliferation or influencing their osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation. Importantly, DC-EV significantly and dose-dependently promoted MSC recruitment across a transwell system and enhanced MSC migration in a microfluidic chemotaxis assay. DC-EV content was analysed by chemokine array, indicating the presence of chemotactic mediators. Osteopontin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were confirmed inside EV. In summary, DC-EV are naturally loaded with chemoattractants and can contribute to cell recruitment, thus inspiring the development of new tissue regeneration strategies.
Degradation mechanisms of silver nanowire electrodes under ultraviolet irradiation and heat treatment
Authors: Choo Dong Chul , Kim Tae Whan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe report the degradation mechanisms of the silver nanowire (Ag NW) electrodes that play a significantly important role in the stability of wearable and flexible devices. The degradation mechanisms behind the increase in the sheet resistances of Ag NW electrodes were clarified by investigating the variations in the structure and the chemical composition of the Ag NW electrodes caused by ultraviolet irradiation and thermal treatment. While the shapes of the Ag NWs were affected by melting during the thermal degradation process, the chemical composition of the polyvinylpyrrolidone protective layer on the surfaces of the Ag NWs was not changed. Ultraviolet irradiation deformed the shapes of the Ag NWs because nitrogen or oxygen atoms were introduced to the silver atoms on the surfaces of the Ag NWs. A graphene-oxide flake was coated on the Ag NW electrodes by using a simple dipping method to prevent ultraviolet irradiation and ozone contact with the surfaces of the Ag NWs, and the increase in the sheet resistance in the graphene-oxide-treated Ag NWs was suppressed. These observations will be of assistance to researchers trying to find novel ways to improve the stability of the Ag NW electrodes in next-generation wearable devices.
Characterisation of a 3-hydroxypropionic acid-inducible system from Pseudomonas putida for orthogonal gene expression control in Escherichia coli and Cupriavidus necator
Authors: Hanko Erik K. R. , Minton Nigel P. , Malys Naglis 
Published: May 2017

Abstract3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) is an important platform chemical used as a precursor for production of added-value compounds such as acrylic acid. Metabolically engineered yeast,Escherichia coli, cyanobacteria and other microorganisms have been developed for the biosynthesis of 3-HP. Attempts to overproduce this compound in recombinantPseudomonas denitrificansrevealed that 3-HP is consumed by this microorganism using the catabolic enzymes encoded by geneshpdH,hbdHandmmsA. 3-HP-inducible systems controlling the expression of these genes have been predicted in proteobacteria and actinobacteria. In this study, we identify and characterise 3-HP-inducible promoters and their corresponding LysR-type transcriptional regulators fromPseudomonas putidaKT2440. A newly-developed modular reporter system proved possible to demonstrate thatPpMmsR/PmmsAandPpHpdR/PhpdHare orthogonal and highly inducible by 3-HP inE. coli(12.3- and 23.3-fold, respectively) andCupriavidus necator(51.5- and 516.6-fold, respectively). Bioinformatics and mutagenesis analyses revealed a conserved 40-nucleotide sequence in thehpdHpromoter, which plays a key role in HpdR-mediated transcription activation. We investigate the kinetics and dynamics of thePpHpdR/PhpdHswitchable system in response to 3-HP and show that it is also induced by both enantiomers of 3-hydroxybutyrate. These findings pave the way for use of the 3-HP-inducible system in synthetic biology and biotechnology applications.
Intradermal administration of IL-33 induces allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Han Hongwei , Ziegler Steven F. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractApproximately half of all atopic dermatitis (AD) patients subsequently develop asthma, particularly those with severe AD. This association, suggesting a role for AD as an entry point for subsequent allergic disease, is a phenomenon known as the “atopic march”. While the underlying cause of the atopic march remains unknown, recent evidence suggests that epithelial cell (EC)-derived cytokines play a major role. We showed that mice exposed to antigen through the skin, in the presence of IL-33, developed antigen-specific airway inflammation when later challenged in the lung. IL-33 signaling was dispensable during effector/challenge phase. These data reveal critical roles for IL-33 in the “atopic march” and will offer a new therapeutic target in the treatment and prevention of allergic asthma.
Effects of smoking and smoking abstinence on spatial vision in chronic heavy smokers
Authors: Fernandes Thiago Monteiro de Paiva , Almeida Natalia Leandro de , Santos Natanael Antonio dos 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCigarette smoke is a complex chemical mixture, involving health-damaging components such as carbon monoxide, ammonia, pyridine, toluene and nicotine. While cognitive functions have been well documented in heavy smokers, spatial vision has been less characterized. In the article, we investigated smoking effects through contrast sensitivity function (CSF), a rigorous procedure that measures the spatial vision. Data were recorded from 48 participants, a group of non-smokers (n = 16), a group of chronic and heavy cigarette smokers (n = 16) and deprived smokers (n = 16); age range 20–45 years. Sinewave gratings with spatial frequencies ranging from 0.25 to 20 cycles per degree were used. All subjects were free from any neurological disorder, identifiable ocular disease and had normal acuity. No abnormalities were detected in the fundoscopic examination and in the optical coherence tomography exam. Contrary to expectations, performance on CSF differed between groups. Both smokers and deprived smokers presented a loss of contrast sensitivity compared to non-smokers. Post-hoc analyses suggest that deprived smokers were less sensitive at all spatial frequencies. These results suggest that not only chronic exposure to cigarette compounds but also withdrawal from nicotine affected spatial vision. This highlights the importance of understanding diffuse effects of smoking compounds on visual spatial processing.
Measurement of local temperature increments induced by cultured HepG2 cells with micro-thermocouples in a thermally stabilized system
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Gang , Yang Jiamin , Wang Zhenhai , Han Danhong , Zheng Fengjie , Xu Shengyong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTo monitor the temperature distribution of a cell and its changes under varied conditions is currently a technical challenge. A variety of non-contact methods used for measuring cellular temperature have been developed, where changes of local temperature at cell-level and sub-cell-level are indirectly calculated through the changes in intensity, band-shape, bandwidth, lifetime or polarization anisotropy of the fluorescence spectra recorded from the nano-sized fluorescent materials pre-injected into the target cell. Unfortunately, the optical properties of the fluorescent nano-materials may be affected by complicated intracellular environment, leading to unexpected measurement errors and controversial arguments. Here, we attempted to offer an alternative approach for measuring the absolute increments of local temperature in micro-Testing Zones induced by live cells. In this method, built-in high-performance micro-thermocouple arrays and double-stabilized system with a stability of 10 mK were applied. Increments of local temperature close to adherent human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells were continuously recorded for days without stimulus, showing frequent fluctuations within 60 mK and a maximum increment by 285 mK. This method may open a door for real-time recording of the absolute local temperature increments of individual cells, therefore offering valuable information for cell biology and clinical therapy in the field of cancer research.
Mangrove dieback during fluctuating sea levels
Authors: Lovelock Catherine E. , Feller Ilka C. , Reef Ruth , Hickey Sharyn , Ball Marilyn C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRecent evidence indicates that climate change and intensification of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has increased variation in sea level. Although widespread impacts on intertidal ecosystems are anticipated to arise from the sea level seesaw associated with climate change, none have yet been demonstrated. Intertidal ecosystems, including mangrove forests are among those ecosystems that are highly vulnerable to sea level rise, but they may also be vulnerable to sea level variability and extreme low sea level events. During 16 years of monitoring of a mangrove forest in Mangrove Bay in north Western Australia, we documented two forest dieback events, the most recent one being coincident with the large-scale dieback of mangroves in the Gulf of Carpentaria in northern Australia. Diebacks in Mangrove Bay were coincident with periods of very low sea level, which were associated with increased soil salinization of 20–30% above pre-event levels, leading to canopy loss, reduced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and reduced recruitment. Our study indicates that an intensification of ENSO will have negative effects on some mangrove forests in parts of the Indo-Pacific that will exacerbate other pressures.
Genetic structure of Cercospora beticola populations on Beta vulgaris in New York and Hawaii
Authors: Vaghefi Niloofar , Nelson Scot C. , Kikkert Julie R. , Pethybridge Sarah J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCercospora leaf spot (CLS), caused byCercospora beticola, is a major disease ofBeta vulgarisworldwide. No sexual stage is known forC. beticolabut in its asexual form it overwinters on infected plant debris as pseudostromata, and travels short distances by rain splash-dispersed conidiospores.Cercospora beticolainfects a broad range of host species and may be seedborne. The relative contribution of these inoculum sources to CLS epidemics on table beet is not well understood. Pathogen isolates collected from table beet, Swiss chard and common lambsquarters in mixed-cropping farms and monoculture fields in New York and Hawaii, USA, were genotyped (n = 600) using 12 microsatellite markers. All isolates from CLS symptoms on lambsquarters were identified asC. chenopodii. Sympatric populations ofC. beticoladerived from Swiss chard and table beet were not genetically differentiated. Results suggested that local (within field) inoculum sources may be responsible for the initiation of CLS epidemics in mixed-cropping farms, whereas external sources of inoculum may be contributing to CLS epidemics in the monoculture fields in New York. New multiplex PCR assays were developed for mating-type determination forC. beticola. Implications of these findings for disease management are discussed.
Hepatic estrogen receptor α is critical for regulation of gluconeogenesis and lipid metabolism in males
Authors: Qiu Shuiqing , Vazquez Juliana Torrens , Boulger Erin , Liu Haiyun , Xue Ping , Hussain Mehboob Ali , Wolfe Andrew 
Published: May 2017

AbstractImpaired estrogens action is associated with features of the metabolic syndrome in animal models and humans. We sought to determine whether disruption of hepatic estrogens action in adult male mice could recapitulate aspects of the metabolic syndrome to understand the mechanistic basis for the phenotype. We found 17β-estradiol (E2) inhibited hepatic gluconeogenic genes such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (Pck-1) and glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and this effect was absent in mice lacking liver estrogen receptor α (Esr1) (LERKO mice). Male LERKO mice displayed elevated hepatic gluconeogenic activity and fasting hyperglycemia. We also observed increased liver lipid deposits and triglyceride levels in male LERKO mice, resulting from increased hepatic lipogenesis as reflected by increased mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase (Fas) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acc1). ChIP assay demonstrated estradiol (E2) induced ESR1 binding to Pck-1, G6Pase, Fas and Acc1 promoters. Metabolic phenotyping demonstrated both basal metabolic rate and feeding were lower for the LERKO mice as compared to Controls. Furthermore, the respiratory exchange rate was significantly lower in LERKO mice than in Controls, suggesting an increase in lipid oxidation. Our data indicate that hepatic E2/ESR1 signaling plays a key role in the maintenance of gluconeogenesis and lipid metabolism in males.
Enhancing the Oxidation of Toluene with External Electric Fields: a Reactive Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Tan Shen , Xia Tao , Shi Yao , Pfaendtner Jim , Zhao Shuangliang , He Yi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe effects of external electric field (Efield) on chemical reactions were studied with the reactive molecular dynamics (ReaxFF MD) simulations by using the oxidation of toluene as a model system. We observed that Efields may greatly enhance the oxidation rate of toluene. The initial reaction time of toluene is also reduced remarkably in Efields. A stronger Efield leads to a faster oxidation rate of toluene. Further studies reveal that the applying of a Efield may result in the oxidation of toluene at 2100 K which is otherwise not able to happen when the Efield is not present. The oxidation rate of toluene at 2100 K in a Efield is comparable with the oxidation rate of toluene at 2900 K when the Efield is not applied. In addition, Efields were observed to significantly enhance the occurrence of the initial radical generation for different pathways of toluene oxidation but they do not seem to favor any of the pathways. Finally, Efields do not seem to enhance the polarization of toluene during its transition state, which suggests that a polarizable charge equilibration method (PQEq) method might be needed to take the effects of Efields into consideration.