bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Characterization of Kat1: a Domesticated hAT-Transposase that Induces DNA Hairpin Formation and MAT-Switching
Authors: Chiruvella Kishore K. , Rajaei Naghmeh , Jonna Venkateswara Rao , Hofer Anders , Åström Stefan U. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractKluyveromyces lactis hAT-transposase 1 (Kat1) generates hairpin-capped DNA double strand breaks leading to MAT-switching (MATa to MATα). Using purified Kat1, we demonstrate the importance of terminal inverted repeats and subterminal repeats for its endonuclease activity. Kat1 promoted joining of the transposon end into a target DNA molecule in vitro, a biochemical feature that ties Kat1 to transposases. Gas-phase Electrophoretic Mobility Macromolecule analysis revealed that Kat1 can form hexamers when complexed with DNA. Kat1 point mutants were generated in conserved positions to explore structure-function relationships. Mutants of predicted catalytic residues abolished both DNA cleavage and strand-transfer. Interestingly, W576A predicted to be impaired for hairpin formation, was active for DNA cleavage and supported wild type levels of mating-type switching. In contrast, the conserved CXXH motif was critical for hairpin formation because Kat1 C402A/H405A completely blocked hairpinning and switching, but still generated nicks in the DNA. Mutations in the BED zinc-finger domain (C130A/C133A) resulted in an unspecific nuclease activity, presumably due to nonspecific DNA interaction. Kat1 mutants that were defective for cleavage in vitro were also defective for mating-type switching. Collectively, this study reveals Kat1 sharing extensive biochemical similarities with cut and paste transposons despite being domesticated and evolutionary diverged from active transposons.
The miR-34a-LDHA axis regulates glucose metabolism and tumor growth in breast cancer
Authors: Xiao Xiangsheng , Huang Xiaojia , Ye Feng , Chen Bo , Song Cailu , Wen Jiahuai , Zhang Zhijie , Zheng Guopei , Tang Hailin , Xie Xiaoming 
Published: February 2016

AbstractLactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) is involved in a variety of cancers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression, prognostic roles and function of LDHA in breast cancer. We found that LDHA was upregulated in both breast cancer cell lines and clinical specimens using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of tissue microarrays (TMAs) showed that high LDHA expression was associated with cell proliferation, metastasis and poor patient overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS). Furthermore, we found that LDHA promoted glycolysis and cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. We also performed luciferase reporter assays and found that LDHA was a direct target of miR-34a. Repression of LDHA by miR-34a suppressed glycolysis and cell proliferation in breast cancer cells in vitro. Our findings provide clues regarding the role of miR-34a as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer through the inhibition of LDHA both in vitro and in vivo. Targeting LDHA through miR-34a could be a potential therapeutic strategy in breast cancer.
On the use of 31P NMR for the quantification of hydrosoluble phosphorus-containing compounds in coral host tissues and cultured zooxanthellae
Authors: Godinot Claire , Gaysinski Marc , Thomas Olivier P. , Ferrier-Pagès Christine , Grover Renaud 
Published: February 2016

Abstract31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was assessed to investigate the phosphorus-containing compounds present in the tissues of the scleractinian coralStylophora pistillataas well as of cultured zooxanthellae (CZ). Results showed that phosphorus-containing compounds observed in CZ were mainly phosphate and phosphate esters. Phosphate accounted for 19 ± 2% of the total phosphorus compounds observed in CZ maintained under low P-levels (0.02 μM). Adding 5 mM of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (KH2PO4) to the CZ culture medium led to a 3.1-fold increase in intracellular phosphate, while adding 5 mM of dissolved organic phosphorus led to a reduction in the concentration of phosphorus compounds, including a 2.5-fold intracellular phosphate decrease. In sharp contrast to zooxanthellae, the host mainly contained phosphonates and to a lesser extent, phosphate esters and phosphate. Two-months of host starvation decreased the phosphate content by 2.4 fold, while bleaching of fed corals did not modify this content. Based on31P NMR analyses, this study highlights the importance of phosphonates in the composition of coral host tissues and illustrates the impact of phosphorus availability on the phosphorus composition of host tissues and CZ, both through feeding of the host and inorganic phosphorus enrichment of the CZ.
High-throughput screening of metal-porphyrin-like graphenes for selective capture of carbon dioxide
Authors: Bae Hyeonhu , Park Minwoo , Jang Byungryul , Kang Yura , Park Jinwoo , Lee Hosik , Chung Haegeun , Chung ChiHye , Hong Suklyun , Kwon Yongkyung , Yakobson Boris I. , Lee Hoonkyung 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNanostructured materials, such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks, have been considered to capture CO2. However, their application has been limited largely because they exhibit poor selectivity for flue gases and low capture capacity under low pressures. We perform a high-throughput screening for selective CO2 capture from flue gases by using first principles thermodynamics. We find that elements with empty d orbitals selectively attract CO2 from gaseous mixtures under low CO2 pressures (~10−3 bar) at 300 K and release it at ~450 K. CO2 binding to elements involves hybridization of the metal d orbitals with the CO2 π orbitals and CO2-transition metal complexes were observed in experiments. This result allows us to perform high-throughput screening to discover novel promising CO2 capture materials with empty d orbitals (e.g., Sc– or V–porphyrin-like graphene) and predict their capture performance under various conditions. Moreover, these findings provide physical insights into selective CO2 capture and open a new path to explore CO2 capture materials.
Sexual Function after Partial Penectomy: A Prospectively Study From China
Authors: Yu Cui , Hequn Chen , Longfei Liu , Minfeng Chen , Zhi Chen , Feng Zeng , Jinbo Chen , Lin Qi , Xiongbing Zu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe Purpose of this study was to evaluate the sexual function after partial penectomy for penile carcinoma patients. Between January 2010 and May 2013, patients treated with partial penectomy at our institution were prospectively enrolled in this study. Sexual function (IIEF-15), age, body mass index, penile length in the flaccid state after partial penectomy (PL), treatment, having a partner and psychological factors (SAS scores and SDS scores) were assessed. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. 43 patients were included in our study. The median age was 56 years and the median PL was 4 cm. The preoperative IIEF-15, SAS, SDS scores were significantly different from the postoperative scores. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients treated with partial penectomy and partial penectomy+ lymphadenectomy on IIEF-15 scores. Age was negatively associated with erectile function, sexual desire and overall satisfaction; PL was positively associated with intercourse satisfaction; SAS score was negatively associated with erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire and intercourse satisfaction. Our preliminary findings suggest that the sexual function after partial penectomy was significantly reduced. The sexual function was negatively affected by age and anxiety but positively affected by PL.
Monocyte-induced recovery of inflammation-associated hepatocellular dysfunction in a biochip-based human liver model
Authors: Gröger Marko , Rennert Knut , Giszas Benjamin , Weiß Elisabeth , Dinger Julia , Funke Harald , Kiehntopf Michael , Peters Frank T. , Lupp Amelie , Bauer Michael , Claus Ralf A. , Huber Otmar , Mosig Alexander S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractLiver dysfunction is an early event in sepsis-related multi-organ failure. We here report the establishment and characterization of a microfluidically supported in vitro organoid model of the human liver sinusoid. The liver organoid is composed of vascular and hepatocyte cell layers integrating non-parenchymal cells closely reflecting tissue architecture and enables physiological cross-communication in a bio-inspired fashion. Inflammation-associated liver dysfunction was mimicked by stimulation with various agonists of toll-like receptors. TLR-stimulation induced the release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and diminished expression of endothelial VE-cadherin, hepatic MRP-2 transporter and apolipoprotein B (ApoB), resulting in an inflammation-related endothelial barrier disruption and hepatocellular dysfunction in the liver organoid. However, interaction of the liver organoid with human monocytes attenuated inflammation-related cell responses and restored MRP-2 transporter activity, ApoB expression and albumin/urea production. The cellular events observed in the liver organoid closely resembled pathophysiological responses in the well-established sepsis model of peritoneal contamination and infection (PCI) in mice and clinical observations in human sepsis. We therefore conclude that this human liver organoid model is a valuable tool to investigate sepsis-related liver dysfunction and subsequent immune cell-related tissue repair/remodeling processes.
Activation of sputter-processed indium–gallium–zinc oxide films by simultaneous ultraviolet and thermal treatments
Authors: Tak Young Jun , Du Ahn Byung , Park Sung Pyo , Kim Si Joon , Song Ae Ran , Chung Kwun-Bum , Kim Hyun Jae 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIndium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) films, deposited by sputtering at room temperature, still require activation to achieve satisfactory semiconductor characteristics. Thermal treatment is typically carried out at temperatures above 300 °C. Here, we propose activating sputter- processed IGZO films using simultaneous ultraviolet and thermal (SUT) treatments to decrease the required temperature and enhance their electrical characteristics and stability. SUT treatment effectively decreased the amount of carbon residues and the number of defect sites related to oxygen vacancies and increased the number of metal oxide (M–O) bonds through the decomposition-rearrangement of M–O bonds and oxygen radicals. Activation of IGZO TFTs using the SUT treatment reduced the processing temperature to 150 °C and improved various electrical performance metrics including mobility, on-off ratio, and threshold voltage shift (positive bias stress for 10,000 s) from 3.23 to 15.81 cm2/Vs, 3.96 × 107 to 1.03 × 108, and 11.2 to 7.2 V, respectively.
Antimicrobial activity of a quaternary ammonium methacryloxy silicate-containing acrylic resin: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Liu Si-ying , Tonggu Lige , Niu Li-na , Gong Shi-qiang , Fan Bing , Wang Liguo , Zhao Ji-hong , Huang Cui , Pashley David H. , Tay Franklin R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractQuaternary ammonium methacryloxy silicate (QAMS)-containing acrylic resin demonstrated contact-killing antimicrobial ability in vitro after three months of water storage. The objective of the present double-blind randomised clinical trial was to determine the in vivo antimicrobial efficacy of QAMS-containing orthodontic acrylic by using custom-made removable retainers that were worn intraorally by 32 human subjects to create 48-hour multi-species plaque biofilms, using a split-mouth study design. Two control QAMS-free acrylic disks were inserted into the wells on one side of an orthodontic retainer, and two experimental QAMS-containing acrylic disks were inserted into the wells on the other side of the same retainer. After 48 hours, the disks were retrieved and examined for microbial vitality using confocal laser scanning microscopy. No harm to the oral mucosa or systemic health occurred. In the absence of carry-across effect and allocation bias (disks inserted in the left or right side of retainer), significant difference was identified between the percentage kill in the biovolume of QAMS-free control disks (3.73 ± 2.11%) and QAMS-containing experimental disks (33.94 ± 23.88%) retrieved from the subjects (P ≤ 0.001). The results validated that the QAMS-containing acrylic exhibits favourable antimicrobial activity against plaque biofilms in vivo. The QAMS-containing acrylic may also be used for fabricating removable acrylic dentures.
Sonic hedgehog stimulates neurite outgrowth in a mechanical stretch model of reactive-astrogliosis
Authors: Berretta Antonio , Gowing Emma K. , Jasoni Christine L. , Clarkson Andrew N. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAlthough recovery following a stroke is limited, undamaged neurons under the right conditions can establish new connections and take on-board lost functions. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is integral for developmental axon growth, but its role after injury has not been fully examined. To investigate the effects of Shh on neuronal sprouting after injury, we used an in vitro model of glial scar, whereby cortical astrocytes were mechanically traumatized to mimic reactive astrogliosis observed after stroke. This mechanical trauma impaired neurite outgrowth from post-natal cortical neurons plated on top of reactive astrocytes. Addition of Shh to the media, however, resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in neurite outgrowth. This response was inhibited by cyclopamine and activated by oxysterol 20(S)-hydroxycholesterol, both of which modulate the activity of the Shh co-receptor Smoothened (Smo), demonstrating that Shh-mediated neurite outgrowth is Smo-dependent. In addition, neurite outgrowth was not associated with an increase in Gli-1 transcription, but could be inhibited by PP2, a selective inhibitor of Src family kinases. These results demonstrate that neurons exposed to the neurite growth inhibitory environment associated with a glial scar can be stimulated by Shh, with signaling occurring through a non-canonical pathway, to overcome this suppression and stimulate neurite outgrowth.
Clonostachys rosea demethiolase STR3 controls the conversion of methionine into methanethiol
Authors: Jia Kai-Zhi , Zhang Quan , Sun Lin-Yang , Xu Yang-Hua , Li Hong-Mei , Tang Ya-Jie 
Published: February 2016

AbstractEukaryote-derived methioninase, catalyzing the one-step degradation of methionine (Met) to methanethiol (MTL), has received much attention for its low immunogenic potential and use as a therapeutic agent against Met-dependent tumors. Although biological and chemical degradation pathways for Met-MTL conversion are proposed, the concrete molecular mechanism for Met-MTL conversion in eukaryotes is still unclear. Previous studies demonstrated that α-keto-methylthiobutyric acid (KMBA), the intermediate for Met-MTL conversion, was located extracellularly and the demethiolase STR3 possessed no activities towards Met, which rule out the possibility of intracellular Met-MTL conversion pathway inside eukaryotes. We report here that degradation of Met resulted in intracellular accumulation of KMBA in Clonostachys rosea. Addition of Met to culture media led to the production of MTL and downregulation of STR3, while incubation of Met with surrogate substrate α-ketoglutaric acid enhanced the synthesis of MTL and triggered the upregulation of STR3. Subsequent biochemical analysis with recombinant STR3 showed that STR3 directly converted both Met and its transamination product KMBA to MTL. These results indicated that STR3 as rate-limiting enzyme degrades Met and KMBA into MTL. Our findings suggest STR3 is a potential target for therapeutic agents against Met-dependent tumors and aging.
Transient increase of interleukin-1β after prolonged febrile seizures promotes adult epileptogenesis through long-lasting upregulating endocannabinoid signaling
Authors: Feng Bo , Tang Yangshun , Chen Bin , Xu Cenglin , Wang Yi , Dai Yunjian , Wu Dengchang , Zhu Junmin , Wang Shuang , Zhou Yudong , Shi Liyun , Hu Weiwei , Zhang Xia , Chen Zhong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIt remains unclear how infantile febrile seizures (FS) enhance adult seizure susceptibility. Here we showed that the transient increase of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) after prolonged FS promoted adult seizure susceptibility, which was blocked by interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) within a critical time window. Postnatal administered IL-1β alone mimicked the effect of FS on adult seizure susceptibility. IL-1R1 knockout mice were not susceptible to adult seizure after prolonged FS or IL-1β treatment. Prolonged FS or early-life IL-1β treatment increased the expression of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) for over 50 days, which was blocked by IL-1Ra or was absent in IL-1R1 knockout mice. CB1R antagonist, knockdown and endocannabinoid synthesis inhibitor abolished FS or IL-1β-enhanced seizure susceptibility. Thus, this work identifies a pathogenic role of postnatal IL-1β/IL-1R1 pathway and subsequent prolonged prominent increase of endocannabinoid signaling in adult seizure susceptibility following prolonged FS and highlights IL-1R1 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing the development of epilepsy after infantile FS.
A highly efficient degradation mechanism of methyl orange using Fe-based metallic glass powders
Authors: Xie Shenghui , Huang Ping , Kruzic Jamie J. , Zeng Xierong , Qian Haixia 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA new Fe-based metallic glass with composition Fe76B12Si9Y3 (at. %) is found to have extraordinary degradation efficiency towards methyl orange (MO, C14H14N3SO3) in strong acidic and near neutral environments compared to crystalline zero-valent iron (ZVI) powders and other Fe-based metallic glasses. The influence of temperature (294–328 K) on the degradation reaction rate was measured using ball-milled metallic glass powders revealing a low thermal activation energy barrier of 22.6 kJ/mol. The excellent properties are mainly attributed to the heterogeneous structure consisting of local Fe-rich and Fe-poor atomic clusters, rather than the large specific surface and strong residual stress in the powders. The metallic glass powders can sustain almost unchanged degradation efficiency after 13 cycles at room temperature, while a drop in degradation efficiency with further cycles is attributed to visible surface oxidation. Triple quadrupole mass spectrometry analysis conducted during the reaction was used to elucidate the underlying degradation mechanism. The present findings may provide a new, highly efficient and low cost commercial method for azo dye wastewater treatment.
Maternal Weaning Modulates Emotional Behavior and Regulates the Gut-Brain Axis
Authors: Farshim Pamela , Walton Gemma , Chakrabarti Bhismadev , Givens Ian , Saddy Doug , Kitchen Ian , R. Swann Jonathan , Bailey Alexis 
Published: February 2016

AbstractEvidence shows that nutritional and environmental stress stimuli during postnatal period influence brain development and interactions between gut and brain. In this study we show that in rats, prevention of weaning from maternal milk results in depressive-like behavior, which is accompanied by changes in the gut bacteria and host metabolism. Depressive-like behavior was studied using the forced-swim test on postnatal day (PND) 25 in rats either weaned on PND 21, or left with their mother until PND 25 (non-weaned). Non-weaned rats showed an increased immobility time consistent with a depressive phenotype. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed non-weaned rats to harbor significantly lowered Clostridium histolyticum bacterial groups but exhibit marked stress-induced increases. Metabonomic analysis of urine from these animals revealed significant differences in the metabolic profiles, with biochemical phenotypes indicative of depression in the non-weaned animals. In addition, non-weaned rats showed resistance to stress-induced modulation of oxytocin receptors in amygdala nuclei, which is indicative of passive stress-coping mechanism. We conclude that delaying weaning results in alterations to the gut microbiota and global metabolic profiles which may contribute to a depressive phenotype and raise the issue that mood disorders at early developmental ages may reflect interplay between mammalian host and resident bacteria.
Susceptibility of outer hair cells to cholesterol chelator 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrine is prestin-dependent
Authors: Takahashi Satoe , Homma Kazuaki , Zhou Yingjie , Nishimura Shinichi , Duan Chongwen , Chen Jessie , Ahmad Aisha , Cheatham Mary Ann , Zheng Jing 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNiemann-Pick type C1 disease (NPC1) is a fatal genetic disorder caused by impaired intracellular cholesterol trafficking. Recent studies reported ototoxicity of 2-hydroxypropyl- β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), a cholesterol chelator and the only promising treatment for NPC1. Because outer hair cells (OHCs) are the only cochlear cells affected by HPβCD, we investigated whether prestin, an OHC-specific motor protein, might be involved. Single, high-dose administration of HPβCD resulted in OHC death in prestin wildtype (WT) mice whereas OHCs were largely spared in prestin knockout (KO) mice in the basal region, implicating prestin’s involvement in ototoxicity of HPβCD. We found that prestin can interact with cholesterol in vitro, suggesting that HPβCD-induced ototoxicity may involve disruption of this interaction. Time-lapse analysis revealed that OHCs isolated from WT animals rapidly deteriorated upon HPβCD treatment while those from prestin-KOs tolerated the same regimen. These results suggest that a prestin-dependent mechanism contributes to HPβCD ototoxicity.
Chitinase producing bacteria with direct algicidal activity on marine diatoms
Authors: Li Yi , Lei Xueqian , Zhu Hong , Zhang Huajun , Guan Chengwei , Chen Zhangran , Zheng Wei , Fu Lijun , Zheng Tianling 
Published: February 2016

AbstractChitinase producing bacteria can involve extensively in nutrient cycling and energy flow in the aquatic environment through degradation and utilization of chitin. It is well known that diatoms cells are encased by box-like frustules composed of chitin. Thus the chitin containing of diatoms shall be a natural target of chitinase producing bacteria, however, the interaction between these two organismic groups has not been studied thus far. Therefore, in this study, the algicidal mechanism of one chitinase producing bacterium (strain LY03) on Thalassiosira pseudonana was investigated. The algicidal range and algicidal mode of strain LY03 were first studied and then bacterial viability, chemotactic ability and direct interaction characteristic between bacteria and diatom were also confirmed. Finally, the characteristic of the intracellular algicidal substance was identified and the algicidal mechanism was determined whereby algicidal bacterial cells showed chemotaxis to algal cells, fastened themselves on algal cells with their flagella and then produced chitinase to degrade algal cell walls and eventually caused algal lysis and death. It is the first time to investigate the interaction between chitinase producing bacteria and diatoms and this novel special interaction mode was confirmed in this study, which will be helpful in protection and utilization of diatoms resources.