| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Klionsky, Daniel J., et al.
(author)
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Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy
- 2012
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In: Autophagy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1554-8635 .- 1554-8627. ; 8:4, s. 445-544
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. A key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process vs. those that measure flux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process); thus, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation needs to be differentiated from stimuli that result in increased autophagic activity, defined as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (in most higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the field understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field.
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| 3. |
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- 2019
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Zhang, Huai, et al.
(author)
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A global survey on the use of the international classification of diseases codes for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.
- 2024
-
In: Hepatology international. - 1936-0541.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With the implementation of the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and the publication of the metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) nomenclature in 2020, it is important to establish consensus for the coding of MAFLD in ICD-11. This will inform subsequent revisions of ICD-11.Using the Qualtrics XM and WJX platforms, questionnaires were sent online to MAFLD-ICD-11 coding collaborators, authors of papers, and relevant association members.A total of 890 international experts in various fields from 61 countries responded to the survey. We also achieved full coverage of provincial-level administrative regions in China. 77.1% of respondents agreed that MAFLD should be represented in ICD-11 by updating NAFLD, with no significant regional differences (77.3% in Asia and 76.6% in non-Asia, p=0.819). Over 80% of respondents agreed or somewhat agreed with the need to assign specific codes for progressive stages of MAFLD (i.e. steatohepatitis) (92.2%), MAFLD combined with comorbidities (84.1%), or MAFLD subtypes (i.e., lean, overweight/obese, and diabetic) (86.1%).This global survey by a collaborative panel of clinical, coding, health management and policy experts, indicates agreement that MAFLD should be coded in ICD-11. The data serves as a foundation for corresponding adjustments in the ICD-11 revision.
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| 8. |
- Ablikim, M., et al.
(author)
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Observation of the decay psi(3686) -> Lambda(Sigma)over-bar(+/-) pi(-/+) + c.c
- 2013
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In: Physical Review D. - 1550-7998 .- 1550-2368. ; 88:11, s. 112007-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Using a sample of 1:06 X 10(8) psi(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector, we present the first observation of the decays of psi(3686) -> Lambda(Sigma) over bar (+) pi(-) + c.c. and psi(3686) -> Lambda(Sigma) over bar (-) pi(+) + c.c. The branching fractions are measured to be B(psi(3686) -> Lambda(Sigma) over bar (+) pi(-) + c.c.) = (1.40 +/- 0.03 +/- 0.13) X 10(-4) and B(psi(3686) -> Lambda (Sigma) over bar (-) pi(+) + c.c.) = (1.54 +/- 0.04 +/- 0.13) X 10(-4) where the first errors are statistical and the second ones systematic.
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| 9. |
- Ablikim, M., et al.
(author)
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Search for eta(c)(2S)h(c) -> p(p)over-bar decays and measurements of the chi(cJ) -> p(p)over-bar branching fractions
- 2013
-
In: Physical Review D. - 1550-7998 .- 1550-2368. ; 88:11, s. 112001-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Using a sample of 1.06 x 10(8)psi(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, the decays eta(c)(2S) -> p (p) over bar and h(c) -> p (p) over bar are searched for, where eta(c)(2S) and h(c) are reconstructed in the decay chains psi(3686) -> gamma eta(c)(2S), eta(c)(2S) -> p (p) over bar and psi(3686) -> pi(0)h(c), h(c) -> p (p) over bar, respectively. No significant signals are observed. The upper limits of the product branching fractions are determined to be B(psi(3686) -> gamma eta(c)(2S)) x B(eta(c)(2S) -> p (p) over bar) < 1.4 x 10(-6) and B(psi(3686) -> pi(0)h(c)) x B(h(c) -> p<(p)over bar>) < 1.3 x 10(-7) at the 90% C.L.. The branching fractions for chi(cJ) -> p<(p)over bar> (J = 0, 1, 2) are also measured to be (24.5 +/- 0.8 +/- 1.3, 8.6 +/- 0.5 +/- 0.5, 8.4 +/- 0.5 +/- 0.5) x 10(-5), which are the world's most precise measurements.
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| 10. |
- An, Junghwa, et al.
(author)
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Permanent Genetic Resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 October 2009-30 November 2009
- 2010
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In: Molecular Ecology Resources. - : Wiley. - 1755-098X .- 1755-0998. ; 10:2, s. 404-408
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article documents the addition of 411 microsatellite marker loci and 15 pairs of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) sequencing primers to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Acanthopagrus schlegeli, Anopheles lesteri, Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus terreus, Branchiostoma japonicum, Branchiostoma belcheri, Colias behrii, Coryphopterus personatus, Cynogolssus semilaevis, Cynoglossus semilaevis, Dendrobium officinale, Dendrobium officinale, Dysoxylum malabaricum, Metrioptera roeselii, Myrmeciza exsul, Ochotona thibetana, Neosartorya fischeri, Nothofagus pumilio, Onychodactylus fischeri, Phoenicopterus roseus, Salvia officinalis L., Scylla paramamosain, Silene latifo, Sula sula, and Vulpes vulpes. These loci were cross-tested on the following species: Aspergillus giganteus, Colias pelidne, Colias interior, Colias meadii, Colias eurytheme, Coryphopterus lipernes, Coryphopterus glaucofrenum, Coryphopterus eidolon, Gnatholepis thompsoni, Elacatinus evelynae, Dendrobium loddigesii Dendrobium devonianum, Dysoxylum binectariferum, Nothofagus antarctica, Nothofagus dombeyii, Nothofagus nervosa, Nothofagus obliqua, Sula nebouxii, and Sula variegata. This article also documents the addition of 39 sequencing primer pairs and 15 allele specific primers or probes for Paralithodes camtschaticus.
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| 11. |
- Chen, Yi-Jing, et al.
(author)
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Molecular Engineering of Perylene Diimide Polymers with a Robust Built-in Electric Field for Enhanced Solar-Driven Water Splitting
- 2023
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In: Angewandte Chemie International Edition. - : WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH. - 1433-7851 .- 1521-3773.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The built-in electric field of the polymer semiconductors could be regulated by the dipole moment of its building blocks, thereby promoting the separation of photogenerated carriers and achieving efficient solar-driven water splitting. Herein, three perylene diimide (PDI) polymers, namely oPDI, mPDI and pPDI, are synthesized with different phenylenediamine linkers. Notably, the energy level structure, light-harvesting efficiency, and photogenerated carrier separation and migration of polymers are regulated by the orientation of PDI unit. Among them, oPDI enables a large dipole moment and robust built-in electric field, resulting in enhanced solar-driven water splitting performance. Under simulated sunlight irradiation, oPDI exhibits the highest photocurrent of 115.1 mu A cm-2 for photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution, which is 11.5 times that of mPDI, 26.8 times that of pPDI and 104.6 times that of its counterparts PDI monomer at the same conditions. This work provides a strategy for designing polymers by regulating the orientation of structural units to construct efficient solar energy conversion systems. Three perylene diimide (PDI) polymers were designed and synthesized such that the molecular orientation of the PDI units was regulated to create and modulate their built-in electric fields. Due to the large dipole moment and interfacial electric field, oPDI enables an extraordinary photocurrent density of 115.1 mu A & sdot; cm-2, which is 11.5 and 26.8 times that of mPDI and pPDI, respectively.image
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| 12. |
- Fang, Evandro F., et al.
(author)
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A research agenda for ageing in China in the 21st century (2nd edition): Focusing on basic and translational research, long-term care, policy and social networks.
- 2020
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In: Ageing Research Reviews. - : Elsevier BV. - 1568-1637. ; 64
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- One of the key issues facing public healthcare is the global trend of an increasingly ageing society which continues to present policy makers and caregivers with formidable healthcare and socio-economic challenges. Ageing is the primary contributor to a broad spectrum of chronic disorders all associated with a lower quality of life in the elderly. In 2019, the Chinese population constituted 18 % of the world population, with 164.5 million Chinese citizens aged 65 and above (65+), and 26 million aged 80 or above (80+). China has become an ageing society, and as it continues to age it will continue to exacerbate the burden borne by current family and public healthcare systems. Major healthcare challenges involved with caring for the elderly in China include the management of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs), physical frailty, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, with emerging challenges such as providing sufficient dental care, combating the rising prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among nursing home communities, providing support for increased incidences of immune diseases, and the growing necessity to provide palliative care for the elderly. At the governmental level, it is necessary to make long-term strategic plans to respond to the pressures of an ageing society, especially to establish a nationwide, affordable, annual health check system to facilitate early diagnosis and provide access to affordable treatments. China has begun work on several activities to address these issues including the recent completion of the of the Ten-year Health-Care Reform project, the implementation of the Healthy China 2030 Action Plan, and the opening of the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders. There are also societal challenges, namely the shift from an extended family system in which the younger provide home care for their elderly family members, to the current trend in which young people are increasingly migrating towards major cities for work, increasing reliance on nursing homes to compensate, especially following the outcomes of the ‘one child policy’ and the ‘empty-nest elderly’ phenomenon. At the individual level, it is important to provide avenues for people to seek and improve their own knowledge of health and disease, to encourage them to seek medical check-ups to prevent/manage illness, and to find ways to promote modifiable health-related behaviors (social activity, exercise, healthy diets, reasonable diet supplements) to enable healthier, happier, longer, and more productive lives in the elderly. Finally, at the technological or treatment level, there is a focus on modern technologies to counteract the negative effects of ageing. Researchers are striving to produce drugs that can mimic the effects of ‘exercising more, eating less’, while other anti-ageing molecules from molecular gerontologists could help to improve ‘healthspan’ in the elderly. Machine learning, ‘Big Data’, and other novel technologies can also be used to monitor disease patterns at the population level and may be used to inform policy design in the future. Collectively, synergies across disciplines on policies, geriatric care, drug development, personal awareness, the use of big data, machine learning and personalized medicine will transform China into a country that enables the most for its elderly, maximizing and celebrating their longevity in the coming decades. This is the 2nd edition of the review paper (Fang EF et al., Ageing Re. Rev. 2015).
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| 13. |
- Fang, Li Tai, et al.
(author)
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Establishing community reference samples, data and call sets for benchmarking cancer mutation detection using whole-genome sequencing
- 2021
-
In: Nature Biotechnology. - : Springer Nature. - 1087-0156 .- 1546-1696. ; 39:9, s. 1151-1160
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Tumor-normal paired DNA samples from a breast cancer cell line and a matched lymphoblastoid cell line enable calibration of clinical sequencing pipelines and benchmarking 'tumor-only' or 'matched tumor-normal' analyses. The lack of samples for generating standardized DNA datasets for setting up a sequencing pipeline or benchmarking the performance of different algorithms limits the implementation and uptake of cancer genomics. Here, we describe reference call sets obtained from paired tumor-normal genomic DNA (gDNA) samples derived from a breast cancer cell line-which is highly heterogeneous, with an aneuploid genome, and enriched in somatic alterations-and a matched lymphoblastoid cell line. We partially validated both somatic mutations and germline variants in these call sets via whole-exome sequencing (WES) with different sequencing platforms and targeted sequencing with >2,000-fold coverage, spanning 82% of genomic regions with high confidence. Although the gDNA reference samples are not representative of primary cancer cells from a clinical sample, when setting up a sequencing pipeline, they not only minimize potential biases from technologies, assays and informatics but also provide a unique resource for benchmarking 'tumor-only' or 'matched tumor-normal' analyses.
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| 14. |
- Fu, Yongshuo H., et al.
(author)
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Soil moisture regulates warming responses of autumn photosynthetic transition dates in subtropical forests
- 2022
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In: Global Change Biology. - : Wiley. - 1354-1013 .- 1365-2486. ; 28:16, s. 4935-4946
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Autumn phenology plays a key role in regulating the terrestrial carbon and water balance and their feedbacks to the climate. However, the mechanisms underlying autumn phenology are still poorly understood, especially in subtropical forests. In this study, we extracted the autumn photosynthetic transition dates (APTD) in subtropical China over the period 2003–2017 based on a global, fine-resolution solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) dataset (GOSIF) using four fitting methods, and then explored the temporal–spatial variations of APTD and its underlying mechanisms using partial correlation analysis and machine learning methods. We further predicted the APTD shifts under future climate warming conditions by applying process-based and machine learning-based models. We found that the APTD was significantly delayed, with an average rate of 7.7 days per decade, in subtropical China during 2003–2017. Both partial correlation analysis and machine learning methods revealed that soil moisture was the primary driver responsible for the APTD changes in southern subtropical monsoon evergreen forest (SEF) and middle subtropical evergreen forest (MEF), whereas solar radiation controlled the APTD variations in the northern evergreen-broadleaf deciduous mixed forest (NMF). Combining the effects of temperature, soil moisture and radiation, we found a significantly delayed trend in APTD during the 2030–2100 period, but the trend amplitude (0.8 days per decade) was much weaker than that over 2003–2017. In addition, we found that machine learning methods outperformed process-based models in projecting APTD. Our findings generate from different methods highlight that soil moisture is one of the key players in determining autumn photosynthetic phenological processes in subtropical forests. To comprehensively understand autumn phenological processes, in-situ manipulative experiments are urgently needed to quantify the contributions of different environmental and physiological factors in regulating plants' response to ongoing climate change.
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| 15. |
- Gao, Xiang, et al.
(author)
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Planting Age Identification and Yield Prediction of Apple Orchard Using Time-Series Spectral Endmember and Logistic Growth Model
- 2023
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In: Remote Sensing. - : MDPI AG. - 2072-4292. ; 15:3, s. 642-642
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In response to significant shifts in dietary and lifestyle preferences, the global demand for fruits has increased dramatically, especially for apples, which are consumed worldwide. Growing apple orchards of more productive and higher quality with limited land resources is the way forward. Precise planting age identification and yield prediction are indispensable for the apple market in terms of sustainable supply, price regulation, and planting management. The planting age of apple trees significantly determines productivity, quality, and yield. Therefore, we integrated the time-series spectral endmember and logistic growth model (LGM) to accurately identify the planting age of apple orchard, and we conducted planting age-driven yield prediction using a neural network model. Firstly, we fitted the time-series spectral endmember of green photosynthetic vegetation (GV) with the LGM. By using the four-points method, the environmental carrying capacity (ECC) in the LGM was available, which serves as a crucial parameter to determine the planting age. Secondly, we combined annual planting age with historical apple yield to train the back propagation (BP) neural network model and obtained the predicted apple yields for 12 counties. The results show that the LGM method can accurately estimate the orchard planting age, with Mean Absolute Error (MAE) being 1.76 and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) being 2.24. The strong correlation between orchard planting age and apple yield was proved. The results of planting age-driven yield prediction have high accuracy, with the MAE up to 2.95% and the RMSE up to 3.71%. This study provides a novel method to accurately estimate apple orchard planting age and yields, which can support policy formulation and orchard planning in the future.
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| 16. |
- Ge, Qi, et al.
(author)
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Structure-Based Low-Rank Model With Graph Nuclear Norm Regularization for Noise Removal
- 2017
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In: IEEE Transactions on Image Processing. - : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). - 1057-7149 .- 1941-0042. ; 26:7, s. 3098-3112
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nonlocal image representation methods, including group-based sparse coding and block-matching 3-D filtering, have shown their great performance in application to low-level tasks. The nonlocal prior is extracted from each group consisting of patches with similar intensities. Grouping patches based on intensity similarity, however, gives rise to disturbance and inaccuracy in estimation of the true images. To address this problem, we propose a structure-based low-rank model with graph nuclear norm regularization. We exploit the local manifold structure inside a patch and group the patches by the distance metric of manifold structure. With the manifold structure information, a graph nuclear norm regularization is established and incorporated into a low-rank approximation model. We then prove that the graph-based regularization is equivalent to a weighted nuclear norm and the proposed model can be solved by a weighted singular-value thresholding algorithm. Extensive experiments on additive white Gaussian noise removal and mixed noise removal demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a better performance than several state-of-the-art algorithms.
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| 17. |
- Li, Lili, et al.
(author)
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Heparanase overexpression reduces carrageenan-induced mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in mice
- 2012
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In: Neuroscience Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-3940 .- 1872-7972. ; 511:1, s. 4-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Heparanase controls the structure and functions of extracellular matrix (ECM) by degrading heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Heparanase is involved in inflammatory process through modulating the functions of inflammatory cytokines. The present study aimed to find out whether overexpression of heparanase in mice affects carrageenan-induced localized inflammation and inflammatory hyperalgesia. Without challenge, the heparanase overexpression did not significantly affect the mice in response to mechanical, cold and heat stimulation. Unilateral subcutaneous administration of carrageenan produced hypersensitivity to mechanical and cold in both wildtype and the heparanase overexpression (Hpa-tg) mice 24h after treatment. In comparison to wildtype animals, the Hpa-tg mice showed significantly reduced mechanical and cold hypersensitivity. This may, at least partially, due to the reduced mast cell infiltration at the site of inflammation in Hpa-tg mice. These data support a role for heparanase that reduces localized inflammation and inflammatory hyperalgesia in mice.
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| 18. |
- Li, Yifei, et al.
(author)
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Can Nup88 expression be associated with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer? A preliminary study
- 2016
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In: Pathology, Research and Practice. - : ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG. - 0344-0338 .- 1618-0631. ; 212:4, s. 274-278
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Nup88 is overexpressed in a number of types of carcinomas and is associated with myometrial invasion, but its exact expression pattern in endometrial cancer and premalignant lesions is unknown. Aims: To evaluate the role of Nup88 in endometrial cancers and atypical endometrial hyperplasia and its clinicopathological significance. Methods: Nup88 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in samples from 104 endometrial cancers, 21 atypical endometrial hyperplasia lesions, and 40 normal endometria. All samples were from patients who underwent surgery at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University (Shijiazhuang, China) between April 2006 and December 2009. Nup88 expression was compared between the groups and associations were assessed between Nup88 and clinicopathological characteristics of the subjects. Results: Nup88 expression in cancer (76% of samples) and atypical hyperplasia (91%) was significantly higher compared to normal endometrium (33%, both P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia (P = 0.237). The expression of Nup88 increased significantly with increasing exposure time to estrogen (P = 0.033). Conclusions: Nup88 may be related to the occurrence of endometrial cancers and premalignant lesions. Nup88 might be a useful biomarker for pre-malignant lesions and early-stage endometrial cancer. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
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| 19. |
- Li, Yifei, et al.
(author)
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Expression and clinical significance of FXYD3 in endometrial cancer
- 2014
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In: Oncology Letters. - : Spandidos Publications. - 1792-1074 .- 1792-1082. ; 8:2, s. 517-522
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- FXYD3 expression is upregulated in numerous cancer cell types. The present study compared the FXDY3 expression in normal endometrium, premalignant lesion and endometrial cancer tissue samples, and investigated the correlation between FXDY3 expression and clinicopathological features. FXYD3 expression was analyzed by streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemistry in 21 normal endometrial tissue samples, 18 atypical endometrial hyperplasia samples and 50 tissues obtained from patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer. The percentage of FXYD3-positive cell expression in the normal endometrium, atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer tissues samples was 0, 22, and 26%, respectively. The differences between the atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer groups were statistically significant when compared with the normal group (P=0.007 and P=0.037, respectively). There was no significant difference between the atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer groups. The percentage of FXYD3-positive cells correlated with the fertility frequency (Pless than0.05). In conclusion, FXYD3 is a potential biomarker for endometrial cancer, and its upregulation may be an early event in endometrial carcinoma progression. In addition, FXYD3 expression in endometrial carcinoma correlates with fertility frequency.
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| 20. |
- Ollila, Hanna M., et al.
(author)
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Narcolepsy risk loci outline role of T cell autoimmunity and infectious triggers in narcolepsy
- 2023
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Nature. - 2041-1723. ; 14
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is caused by a loss of hypocretin/orexin transmission. Risk factors include pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A infection and immunization with Pandemrix (R). Here, we dissect disease mechanisms and interactions with environmental triggers in a multi-ethnic sample of 6,073 cases and 84,856 controls. We fine-mapped GWAS signals within HLA (DQ0602, DQB1*03:01 and DPB1*04:02) and discovered seven novel associations (CD207, NAB1, IKZF4-ERBB3, CTSC, DENND1B, SIRPG, PRF1). Significant signals at TRA and DQB1*06:02 loci were found in 245 vaccination-related cases, who also shared polygenic risk. T cell receptor associations in NT1 modulated TRAJ*24, TRAJ*28 and TRBV*4-2 chain-usage. Partitioned heritability and immune cell enrichment analyses found genetic signals to be driven by dendritic and helper T cells. Lastly comorbidity analysis using data from FinnGen, suggests shared effects between NT1 and other autoimmune diseases. NT1 genetic variants shape autoimmunity and response to environmental triggers, including influenza A infection and immunization with Pandemrix (R).
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| 21. |
- Ren, Lin-Ling, et al.
(author)
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Subcellular relocalization and positive selection play key Roles in the retention of duplicate genes of populus class III peroxidase family
- 2014
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In: The Plant Cell. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1040-4651 .- 1532-298X. ; 26:6, s. 2404-2419
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gene duplication is the primary source of new genes and novel functions. Over the course of evolution, many duplicate genes lose their function and are eventually removed by deletion. However, some duplicates have persisted and evolved diverse functions. A particular challenge is to understand how this diversity arises and whether positive selection plays a role. In this study, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of the class III peroxidase (PRX) genes from the Populus trichocarpa genome. PRXs are plant-specific enzymes that play important roles in cell wall metabolism and in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. We found that two large tandem-arrayed clusters of PRXs evolved from an ancestral cell wall type PRX to vacuole type, followed by tandem duplications and subsequent functional specification. Substitution models identified seven positively selected sites in the vacuole PRXs. These positively selected sites showed significant effects on the biochemical functions of the enzymes. We also found that positive selection acts more frequently on residues adjacent to, rather than directly at, a critical active site of the enzyme, and on flexible regions rather than on rigid structural elements of the protein. Our study provides new insights into the adaptive molecular evolution of plant enzyme families.
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| 22. |
- Xiao, Sen, et al.
(author)
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The influence of impact speed on chest injury outcome in whole body frontal sled impacts
- 2020
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In: Transport. - : Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. - 1648-4142 .- 1648-3480. ; 35:6, s. 669-678
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- While the seatbelt restraint has significantly improved occupant safety, the protection efficiency still needs further enhance to reduce the consequence of the crash. Influence of seatbelt restraint loading on chest injury under 40 km/h has been tested and documented. However, a comprehensive profiling of the efficiency of restraint systems with various impact speeds has not yet been sufficiently reported. The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of the seatbelt load-ings on chest injuries at different impact speeds utilizing a high bio-fidelity human body Finite Element (FE) model. Based on the whole-body frontal sled test configuration, the current simulation is setup using a substitute of Post-Mortem Human Subjects (PMHS). Chest injury outcomes from simulations are analysed in terms of design variables, such as seatbelt position parameters and collision speed in a full factorial experimental design. These outcomes are specifically referred to strain-based injury probabilities and four-point chest deflections caused by the change of the parameters. The results indicate that impact speed does influence chest injury outcome. The ribcage injury risk for more than 3 fractured ribs will increase from around 40 to nearly 100% when the impact speed change from 20 to 40 km/h if the seatbelt positioned at the middle-sternum of this study. Great injuries to the chest are mainly caused by the change of inertia, which indicates that chest injuries are greatly affected by the impact speed. Furthermore, the rib fracture risk and chest deflection are nonlin-early correlated with the change of the seatbelt position parameters. The study approach can serve as a reference for seatbelt virtual design. Meanwhile, it also provides basis for the research of chest injury mechanism.
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| 23. |
- Xiao, Wenming, et al.
(author)
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Toward best practice in cancer mutation detection with whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing
- 2021
-
In: Nature Biotechnology. - : Springer Nature. - 1087-0156 .- 1546-1696. ; 39:9, s. 1141-1150
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recommendations are given on optimal read coverage and selection of calling algorithm to maximize the reproducibility of cancer mutation detection in whole-genome or whole-exome sequencing. Clinical applications of precision oncology require accurate tests that can distinguish true cancer-specific mutations from errors introduced at each step of next-generation sequencing (NGS). To date, no bulk sequencing study has addressed the effects of cross-site reproducibility, nor the biological, technical and computational factors that influence variant identification. Here we report a systematic interrogation of somatic mutations in paired tumor-normal cell lines to identify factors affecting detection reproducibility and accuracy at six different centers. Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and whole-exome sequencing (WES), we evaluated the reproducibility of different sample types with varying input amount and tumor purity, and multiple library construction protocols, followed by processing with nine bioinformatics pipelines. We found that read coverage and callers affected both WGS and WES reproducibility, but WES performance was influenced by insert fragment size, genomic copy content and the global imbalance score (GIV; G > T/C > A). Finally, taking into account library preparation protocol, tumor content, read coverage and bioinformatics processes concomitantly, we recommend actionable practices to improve the reproducibility and accuracy of NGS experiments for cancer mutation detection.
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| 24. |
- Yang, Ping, et al.
(author)
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Enhanced Receive Spatial Modulation Based on Power Allocation
- 2019
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In: IEEE Journal on Selected Topics in Signal Processing. - : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). - 1932-4553 .- 1941-0484. ; 13:6, s. 1312-1325
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, we investigate the benefits of power allocation (PA) for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) receive spatial modulation (RSM) with both a total transmit power constraint (TTPC) and a per-antenna power constraint (PAPC). First, we derive optimal PA closed-form solutions that maximize the minimum distance d(min) between the received signal points for (N-t x 2)-element RSM with arbitrary phase-shift keying schemes (where N-t is the number of transmit antennas) subject to a TTPC. Based on the derived solutions and the error vector reduction (EVR) method, we propose a low-complexity iterative algorithm to identify PA parameters for high numbers of receive antennas (N-r >= 2). Specifically, the EVR-based PA (EVR-PA) algorithm resembles its traditional exhaustive-search-based counterpart, but only exploits the receive distances of a few dominant error vectors to iteratively optimize the PA matrix. Then, a more strict yet practical PAPC is considered for PA in RSM-MIMO systems, and a well-designed approximate convex optimization (ACO)-based iterative PA algorithm is proposed. Compared to EVR-PA, the ACO-based PA (ACO-PA) algorithm first formulates the PA problems with the PAPC in RSM into constrained quadratic program problems and then utilizes the powerful augmented Lagrangian multiplier to find their optimal solutions. Our simulation results show that the proposed EVR-PA- and ACO-PA-aided RSM schemes outperform the equal-power-allocated RSM- and PA-aided spatial multiplexing schemes.
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| 25. |
- Yang, Wen-Jing, et al.
(author)
-
Heparanase from triple-negative breast cancer and platelets acts as an enhancer of metastasis
- 2020
-
In: International Journal of Oncology. - : SPANDIDOS PUBL LTD. - 1019-6439 .- 1791-2423. ; 57:4, s. 890-904
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is characterized by inherently aggressive behavior and lack of recognized molecular targets for therapy, poses a serious threat to women's health worldwide. However, targeted treatments have yet to be made available. A crosstalk between tumor cells and platelets (PLT) contributing to growth, angiogenesis and metastasis has been reported in numerous cancers. Heparanase (Hpa), the only mammalian endoglycosidase that cleaves heparan sulfate, has been demonstrated to contribute to the growth, angiogenesis and metastasis of numerous cancers. Hypoxia affects the growth, angiogenesis and metastasis of nearly all solid tumors, and the ability of Hpa to promote invasion is enhanced in hypoxia. However, whether Hpa can strengthen the crosstalk between tumor cells and PLT, and whether enhancing the biological function of Hpa in TNBC promotes malignant progression, have yet to be fully elucidated. The present study, based on bioinformatics analysis and experimental studies in vivo and in vitro, demonstrated that Hpa enhanced the crosstalk between TNBC cells and PLT to increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients, while also conferring tolerance of TNBC cells to oxygen and nutrient shortage, both of which are important for overcoming the stress of hypoxia and nutritional deprivation in the tumor microenvironment, thereby promoting malignant progression, including growth, angiogenesis and metastasis in TNBC. In addition, the hypoxia-inducible factor-1a (HIF-1a)/vascular endothelial growth factor-a (VEGF- a)/phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-)Akt axis may be the key pathway involved in the effects of Hpa on the biological processes mentioned above. Therefore, improving local hypoxia, anti-Hpa treatment and inhibiting PLT activation may improve the prognosis of TNBC.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Abeysinghe, Kasun S., et al.
(author)
-
Total mercury and methylmercury concentrations over a gradient of contamination in earthworms living in rice paddy soil
- 2017
-
In: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. - : Wiley. - 0730-7268 .- 1552-8618. ; 36:5, s. 1202-1210
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mercury (Hg) deposited from emissions or from local contamination, can have serious health effects on humans and wildlife. Traditionally, Hg has been seen as a threat to aquatic wildlife, because of its conversion in suboxic conditions into bioavailable methylmercury (MeHg), but it can also threaten contaminated terrestrial ecosystems. In Asia, rice paddies in particular may be sensitive ecosystems. Earthworms are soil-dwelling organisms that have been used as indicators of Hg bioavailability; however, the MeHg concentrations they accumulate in rice paddy environments are not well known. Earthworm and soil samples were collected from rice paddies at progressive distances from abandoned mercury mines in Guizhou, China, and at control sites without a history of Hg mining. Total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations declined in soil and earthworms as distance increased from the mines, but the percentage of THg that was MeHg, and the bioaccumulation factors in earthworms, increased over this gradient. This escalation in methylation and the incursion of MeHg into earthworms may be influenced by more acidic soil conditions and higher organic content further from the mines. In areas where the source of Hg is deposition, especially in water-logged and acidic rice paddy soil, earthworms may biomagnify MeHg more than was previously reported. It is emphasized that rice paddy environments affected by acidifying deposition may be widely dispersed throughout Asia.
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| 28. |
- Abolfathi, Bela, et al.
(author)
-
The Fourteenth Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey : First Spectroscopic Data from the Extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey and from the Second Phase of the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment
- 2018
-
In: Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series. - : IOP Publishing Ltd. - 0067-0049 .- 1538-4365. ; 235:2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The fourth generation of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-IV) has been in operation since 2014 July. This paper describes the second data release from this phase, and the 14th from SDSS overall (making this Data Release Fourteen or DR14). This release makes the data taken by SDSS-IV in its first two years of operation (2014-2016 July) public. Like all previous SDSS releases, DR14 is cumulative, including the most recent reductions and calibrations of all data taken by SDSS since the first phase began operations in 2000. New in DR14 is the first public release of data from the extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey; the first data from the second phase of the Apache Point Observatory (APO) Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE-2), including stellar parameter estimates from an innovative data-driven machine-learning algorithm known as "The Cannon"; and almost twice as many data cubes from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO (MaNGA) survey as were in the previous release (N = 2812 in total). This paper describes the location and format of the publicly available data from the SDSS-IV surveys. We provide references to the important technical papers describing how these data have been taken (both targeting and observation details) and processed for scientific use. The SDSS web site (www.sdss.org) has been updated for this release and provides links to data downloads, as well as tutorials and examples of data use. SDSS-IV is planning to continue to collect astronomical data until 2020 and will be followed by SDSS-V.
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| 29. |
- Andersson, Martin, et al.
(author)
-
Acquisitions of start-ups by incumbent businesses A market selection process of "high-quality" entrants?
- 2016
-
In: Research Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0048-7333 .- 1873-7625. ; 45:1, s. 272-290
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We analyze the frequency and nature by which new firms are acquired by established businesses. Acquisitions are often considered to reflect a technology transfer process and to also constitute one way in which a "symbiosis" between new technology-based firms (NTBFs) and established businesses is realized. Using a micro-level dataset for Sweden in which we follow new entrants up to 18 years after entry, we show that acquisitions of recent start-ups are rare and restricted to a small group of entrants with defining characteristics. Estimates from competing risks models show that acquired start-ups, in particular by multinational enterprises (MNEs), stand out from entrants that either remain independent or exit by being much more likely to be spin-offs operating in high-tech sectors, having strong technological competence, and having weak internal financial resources. Our overall findings support the argument that acquisitions primarily concern NTBFs in market contexts where entry costs are large, access to finance is important and incumbents have valuable complementary capabilities and resources. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 30. |
- Blanton, Michael R., et al.
(author)
-
Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV : Mapping the Milky Way, Nearby Galaxies, and the Distant Universe
- 2017
-
In: Astronomical Journal. - : IOP Publishing Ltd. - 0004-6256 .- 1538-3881. ; 154:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We describe the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV (SDSS-IV), a project encompassing three major spectroscopic programs. The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 (APOGEE-2) is observing hundreds of thousands of Milky Way stars at high resolution and. high signal-to-noise ratios in the near-infrared. The Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey is obtaining spatially resolved spectroscopy for thousands of nearby galaxies (median z similar to 0.03). The extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS) is mapping the galaxy, quasar, and neutral gas distributions between z similar to 0.6 and 3.5 to constrain cosmology using baryon acoustic oscillations, redshift space distortions, and the shape of the power spectrum. Within eBOSS, we are conducting two major subprograms: the SPectroscopic IDentification of eROSITA Sources (SPIDERS), investigating X-ray AGNs. and galaxies in X-ray clusters, and the Time Domain Spectroscopic Survey (TDSS), obtaining spectra of variable sources. All programs use the 2.5 m Sloan Foundation Telescope at the. Apache Point Observatory; observations there began in Summer 2014. APOGEE-2 also operates a second near-infrared spectrograph at the 2.5 m du Pont Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, with observations beginning in early 2017. Observations at both facilities are scheduled to continue through 2020. In keeping with previous SDSS policy, SDSS-IV provides regularly scheduled public data releases; the first one, Data Release 13, was made available in 2016 July.
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| 31. |
- Cai, Feng Feng, et al.
(author)
-
Mutations of mitochondrial DNA as potential biomarkers in breast cancer
- 2011
-
In: Anticancer Research. - 0250-7005 .- 1791-7530. ; 31:12, s. 4267-4271
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Alterations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been found in cancer patients, therefore informative mtDNA mutations could serve as biomarkers for the disease. Materials and Methods: The two hypervariable regions HVR1 and HVR2 in the D-Loop region were sequenced in ten paired tissue and plasma samples from breast cancer patients. Results: MtDNA mutations were found in all patients' samples, suggesting a 100% detection rate. Examining germline mtDNA mutations, a total of 85 mutations in the D-loop region were found; 31 of these mutations were detected in both tissues and matched plasma samples, the other 54 germline mtDNA mutations were found only in the plasma samples. Regarding somatic mtDNA mutations, a total of 42 mutations in the D-loop region were found in breast cancer tissues. Conclusion: Somatic mtDNA mutations in the D-loop region were detected in breast cancer tissues but not in the matched plasma samples, suggesting that more sensitive methods will be needed for such detection to be of clinical utility.
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| 32. |
- Cao, Hongwei, et al.
(author)
-
Mechanistic insights into the changes of enzyme activity in food processing under microwave irradiation
- 2023
-
In: Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1541-4337. ; 22:3, s. 2465-2487
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Microwave (MW) and enzyme catalysis are two emerging processing tools in the field of food industry. Recently, MW has been widely utilized as a novel type of green and safe heating energy. However, the effect of MW irradiation on enzyme activity is not described clearly. The intrinsic mechanisms behind enzyme activation and inactivation remain obscure. To apply better MW to the field of enzyme catalysis, it is essential to gain insights into the mechanism of MW action on enzyme activity. This review summarizes the changes in various enzyme activity during food processing, especially under MW irradiation. The intrinsic mechanism of thermal and nonthermal effects of MW irradiation was analyzed from the perspective of enzyme reaction kinetics and spatial structure. MW irradiation temperature is a vital parameter affecting the catalytic activity of enzymes. Activation of the enzyme activity is achieved even at high MW power when the enzyme is operating at its optimum temperature. However, when the temperature exceeds the optimum temperature, the enzyme activity is inhibited. In addition to MW dielectric heating effect, nonthermal MW effects also alter the microenvironment of reactive system. Taken together, enzyme activity is influenced by both thermal and nonthermal MW effects.
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| 33. |
- Carlsson-Jonsson, Anna, et al.
(author)
-
N-terminal truncations of substance P1-7 amide affect its action on spinal cord injury-induced mechanical allodynia in rats
- 2014
-
In: European Journal of Pharmacology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0014-2999 .- 1879-0712. ; 738, s. 319-325
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Central neuropathic pain can arise from injury of the spinal cord and can become chronic. Treatment is difficult and, because complete pain relief is currently very hard to achieve, there is a need for new, more effective treatment options. In this study we used an animal model of spinal cord injury to evaluate the potency of a bioactive fragment of substance P (SP), i.e. SP1-7, in alleviating signs of allodynia and acute pain. SP1-7 is known from earlier studies to possess antinociceptive properties. We also studied the effects of intraperitoneal injection of an amidated analog of this heptapeptide and of its truncated analogs, all of which had high affinity to the SP1-7 binding site, to evaluate the importance of the removed amino acids for the bioclistribution and stability of the peptides. Most of the examined compounds alleviated mechanical alloclynia without any signs of sedation or motor impairment in the rats. In contrast, the response threshold to acute nociceptive stimulation was not affected by arty of the compounds tested. Most of the amino acids in the heptapepticle structure were essential for retaining the biological effect after peripheral injection. These observations suggest that the heptapepticle and its N-Lerminal truncated hexa- and pentapeptide analogs could be of interest for further development of analgesics in the management of mechanical allodynia.
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| 34. |
- Chen, Hualong, et al.
(author)
-
Direct Observation of Photon Induced Giant Band Renormalization in 2D PdSe2 Dichalcogenide by Transient Absorption Spectroscopy
- 2023
-
In: Small. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 19:46
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Insight into fundamental light-matter interaction as well as underlying photo-physical processes is crucial for the development of novel optoelectronic devices. Palladium diselenide (PdSe2), an important representative of emerging 2D noble metal dichalcogenides, has gain considerable attention owing to its unique optical, physical, and chemical properties. In this study, 2D PdSe2 nanosheets (NSs) are prepared using the liquid-phase exfoliation method. A broadband carrier relaxation dynamics from visible to near-infrared bands are revealed using a time-resolved transient absorption spectrometer, giving results that indicate band filling and bandgap renormalization (BGR) effects in the 2D PdSe2 NSs. The observed blue-shift of the transient absorption spectra at the primary stage and the subsequent red-shift can be ascribed to this BGR effect. These findings reveal the many-body character of the 2D TMDs material and may hold keys for applications in the field of optoelectronics and ultrafast photonics.
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| 35. |
- Chen, Xiao-Jia, et al.
(author)
-
Effect of ion adsorption on CEC separation of small molecules using hypercrosslinked porous polymer monolithic capillary columns
- 2012
-
In: Journal of Separation Science. - : Wiley-VCH Verlagsgesellschaft. - 1615-9306 .- 1615-9314. ; 35:12, s. 1502-1505
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Both poly(styrene-co-vinylbenzyl chloride-co-divinylbenzene) and poly(4-methylstyrene-co-vinylbenzyl chloride-co-divinylbenzene) monolithic columns have been hypercrosslinked and for the first time used to achieve capillary electrochromatographic separations. Although these columns do not contain ionizable functionalities, electroosmotic flow was observed due to adsorption of ions from a buffer solution contained in the mobile phase on the surface of the hydrophobic polymer. An increase of more than one order of magnitude was observed with the use of both monolithic polymers. The hypercrosslinking reaction creates a large surface area thus enabling adsorption of a much larger number of ions. Alkylbenzenes were successfully separated using the hypercrosslinked monolithic columns.
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| 36. |
- Chen, Xue-Lian, et al.
(author)
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Polyphenolics from Syzygium brachythyrsum Inhibits Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Macrophage-Derived Foam Cell Formation and Inflammation
- 2022
-
In: Foods. - : MDPI. - 2304-8158. ; 11:21
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Evidence suggests that the immunomodulatory property of polyphenols may also contribute to the reduction of cardiovascular risk. In the present study, we investigated the polyphenol extraction (PE) from Syzygium brachythyrsum, a functional food resource in south China, regarding the protective effect on inhibiting foam cell formation and the underlying molecular mechanism based on an ox-LDL-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model. The results of Oil Red O staining, Dil-ox-LDL fluorescent staining, and cholesterol efflux experiments showed that PE, and its two phenolics brachythol B (BB) and ethyl gallate (EG), significantly inhibited the foam cell formation, which may be associated with reducing the expression of SR-A1 and CD36 while increasing expression of SR-B1, ABCG1, and PPAR gamma. In addition, BB and EG also reduce the inflammatory response by down-regulating the expression of NF-kappa B and MAPK signal pathway proteins, thereby inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors. Altogether, PE and its two components BB and EG attenuated foam cell formation and macrophage inflammation response.
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| 37. |
- Cheng, Shi-Ping, et al.
(author)
-
Haplotype-resolved genome assembly and allele-specific gene expression in cultivated ginger
- 2021
-
In: Horticulture Research. - : Springer Nature. - 2052-7276. ; 8:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most valued spice plants worldwide; it is prized for its culinary and folk medicinal applications and is therefore of high economic and cultural importance. Here, we present a haplotype-resolved, chromosome-scale assembly for diploid ginger anchored to 11 pseudochromosome pairs with a total length of 3.1 Gb. Remarkable structural variation was identified between haplotypes, and two inversions larger than 15 Mb on chromosome 4 may be associated with ginger infertility. We performed a comprehensive, spatiotemporal, genome-wide analysis of allelic expression patterns, revealing that most alleles are coordinately expressed. The alleles that exhibited the largest differences in expression showed closer proximity to transposable elements, greater coding sequence divergence, more relaxed selection pressure, and more transcription factor binding site differences. We also predicted the transcription factors potentially regulating 6-gingerol biosynthesis. Our allele-aware assembly provides a powerful platform for future functional genomics, molecular breeding, and genome editing in ginger.
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| 38. |
- Dang, Wen-Zhen, et al.
(author)
-
Therapeutic effects of artesunate on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice are dependent on T follicular helper cell differentiation and activation of JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway
- 2019
-
In: Phytomedicine. - München : Elsevier. - 0944-7113 .- 1618-095X. ; 62
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Anti-malarial drug artesunate (ART), a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisnin, has immunosuppressive effects on several autoimmune diseases, including Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and Colitis. However, molecular mechanisms of ART, especially on follicular helper T cells (Tfh), central players in SLE pathology, are far from clear.PURPOSE: The object for this work is to investigate the therapeutic effect of ART on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice and its regulatory function on Tfh cells.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: MRL/lpr mice were used to explore therapeutic effects of ART on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice and its regulatory functions on Tfh cells. Then, experiments of renal function were accomplished using the biochemical kits. Effects of ART on histopathology of kidneys, inflammatory factors and autoantibodies were examined using H&E staining, ELISA and real-time PCR. Flow cytometry and western blot analysis were used to examine effects of ART on Tfh differentiation and Jak2-Stat3 signaling pathway.RESULTS: Upon oral administration, ART significantly prolonged the survival of MRL/lpr mice, ameliorated the lupus nephritis symptoms, decreased the levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies deposited in the kidney, and the levels of pathogenic cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-21). After ART treatment, T-cell compartment in the spleen of MRL/lpr mice was restored in terms of reduction in the number of Tfh cells and in the maintenance of the ratio of Tfr to follicular regulatory T cells (Tfh). In addition, ART has significantly inhibited the phosphorylation levels of Jak2 and Stat3 in the MRL/lpr mice.CONCLUSION: ART showed therapeutic effects on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice by inhibiting the differentiation of Tfh cells as well as altering the activation status of Jak2-Stat3 signaling cascade. Copyright © 2019 Elsevier GmbH
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| 39. |
- de Vries, Paul S., et al.
(author)
-
Multiancestry Genome-Wide Association Study of Lipid Levels Incorporating Gene-Alcohol Interactions
- 2019
-
In: American Journal of Epidemiology. - : Oxford University Press. - 0002-9262 .- 1476-6256. ; 188:6, s. 1033-1054
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A person's lipid profile is influenced by genetic variants and alcohol consumption, but the contribution of interactions between these exposures has not been studied. We therefore incorporated gene-alcohol interactions into a multiancestry genome-wide association study of levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. We included 45 studies in stage 1 (genome-wide discovery) and 66 studies in stage 2 (focused follow-up), for a total of 394,584 individuals from 5 ancestry groups. Analyses covered the period July 2014-November 2017. Genetic main effects and interaction effects were jointly assessed by means of a 2-degrees-of-freedom (df) test, and a 1-df test was used to assess the interaction effects alone. Variants at 495 loci were at least suggestively associated (P < 1 x 10(-6)) with lipid levels in stage 1 and were evaluated in stage 2, followed by combined analyses of stage 1 and stage 2. In the combined analysis of stages 1 and 2, a total of 147 independent loci were associated with lipid levels at P < 5 x 10(-8) using 2-df tests, of which 18 were novel. No genome-wide-significant associations were found testing the interaction effect alone. The novel loci included several genes (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 5 (PCSK5), vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB), and apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide 1 (APOBEC1) complementation factor (A1CF)) that have a putative role in lipid metabolism on the basis of existing evidence from cellular and experimental models.
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| 40. |
- Deng, Huan, et al.
(author)
-
Altered Expression of the Hedgehog Pathway Proteins BMP2, BMP4, SHH, and IHH Involved in Knee Cartilage Damage of Patients With Osteoarthritis and Kashin-Beck Disease
- 2022
-
In: Cartilage. - : Sage Publications. - 1947-6035 .- 1947-6043. ; 13:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway proteins in knee articular cartilage from Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients.METHODS: Knee articular cartilage samples were collected from normal (N), OA, and KBD adults (aged 38-60 years) and divided into 3 groups with 6 subjects in each group. The localization of the HH pathway proteins bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), Sonic hedgehog (SHH), and Indian hedgehog (IHH) was observed with the microscope after immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Positive staining cell rates of each proteins were compared.RESULTS: The strongest stainings of all proteins were observed in the middle zones of all 3 groups. The positive staining rates of BMP4 and IHH were significantly lower in the OA and KBD groups than those in the N group in all 3 zones. The positive staining rates of BMP2 and SHH tend to be lower in the OA and KBD groups than those in the N group in the deep zone, while higher in the OA and KBD groups than those in the N group in superficial and middle zones.CONCLUSIONS: Altered expression of the HH pathway proteins BMP2, BMP4, SHH, and IHH was found in OA and KBD articular cartilage. There seemed to be a compensatory effect between SHH and IHH in cartilage damage. Further studies on the pathogenesis of OA and KBD may be carried out from these aspects in the future.
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| 41. |
- Deng, Min, et al.
(author)
-
Genome-wide association analyses in Han Chinese identify two new susceptibility loci for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- 2013
-
In: Nature Genetics. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 45:6, s. 697-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To identify susceptibility genes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 506 individuals with sporadic ALS and 1,859 controls of Han Chinese ancestry. Ninety top SNPs suggested by the current GWAS and 6 SNPs identified by previous GWAS were analyzed in an independent cohort of 706 individuals with ALS and 1,777 controls of Han Chinese ancestry. We discovered two new susceptibility loci for ALS at 1q32 (CAMK1G, rs6703183, P-combined = 2.92 x 10(-8), odds ratio (OR) = 1.31) and 22p11 (CABIN1 and SUSD2, rs8141797, P-combined = 2.35 x 10(-9), OR = 1.52). These two loci explain 12.48% of the overall variance in disease risk in the Han Chinese population. We found no association evidence for the previously reported loci in the Han Chinese population, suggesting genetic heterogeneity of disease susceptibility for ALS between ancestry groups. Our study identifies two new susceptibility loci and suggests new pathogenic mechanisms of ALS.
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| 42. |
- Dominguez, Cecilia A, et al.
(author)
-
Genetic analysis of neuropathic pain-like behavior following peripheral nerve injury suggests a role of the major histocompatibility complex in development of allodynia
- 2008
-
In: Pain. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 1872-6623 .- 0304-3959. ; 136:3, s. 313-319
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Neuropathic pain is a common consequence of damage to the nervous system. We here report a genetic analysis of development of neuropathic pain-like behaviors after unilateral photochemically-induced ischemic sciatic nerve injury in a panel of inbred rat strains known to display different susceptibility to autoimmune neuroinflammation. Pain behavior was initially characterized in Dark-Agouti (DA; RT1(avl)), Piebald Virol Glaxo (PVG; RT1(c)), and in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-congenic strain PVG-RT1(avl). All strains developed mechanical hypersensitivity (allodynia) following nerve injury. However, the extent and duration of allodynia varied significantly among the strains, with PVG displaying more severe allodynia compared to DA rats. Interestingly, the response of PVG-RT1(avR1) was similar to that of DA, suggesting regulation by the MHC locus. This notion was subsequently confirmed in an F2 cohort derived from crossing of the PVG and PVG-RT1(avl) strains, where allodynia was reduced in homozygous or heterozygous carriers of the RT1(avl) allele in comparison to rats homozygous for the RT1(c) allele. These results indicate that certain allelic variants of the MHC could influence susceptibility to develop and maintain neuropathic pain-like behavior following peripheral nerve injury in rats.
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| 43. |
- Dong, Xiao Xia, et al.
(author)
-
Carrier-envelope-phase measurement of sub-cycle UV pulses using angular photofragment distributions
- 2022
-
In: Communications Physics. - : Springer Nature. - 2399-3650. ; 5:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Carrier-envelope-phase (CEP) of sub-cycle ultraviolet (UV) pulse strongly influences the dynamics of quantum systems, but its characterization is not accessible experimentally. Here we investigate photodissociation of a diatomic molecule from its ground-rovibrational state in a linearly polarized weak sub-cycle UV pulse with a controlled CEP. The angular distribution of photofragments shows an asymmetric profile deviating from the well-known cos(2-) or sin(2)-like ones, which can be identified as a way to imprint CEP. We unveil that such an effect stems from the temporal neighboring rotational excitation by molecular permanent dipole interaction through the joint contributions between counter-rotating and rotating terms. This in turn, opens different pathways in photodissociation dynamics. Given that the temporal excitation between various states with close energies can be manipulated by CEP of subcycle UV pulses, our results pave ways for understanding and manipulating electron, nuclear and their joint dynamics with variation of CEP of attosecond pulses.
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| 44. |
- Ejermo, Olof, et al.
(author)
-
Entrepreneurship and survival over the business cycle: how do new technology-based firms differ?
- 2014
-
In: Small Business Economics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0921-898X .- 1573-0913. ; 43:2, s. 411-426
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We investigate the survival performance of new technology-based firms (NTBFs) over the business cycle and compare them against other entrepreneurial firms. Our data comprise the entire population of entrepreneurial firms entering the Swedish economy from 1991 to 2002, which we follow until 2007. Discrete-time duration models are employed to investigate whether the business cycle impacts differently on the survival likelihood of NTBFs vis-A -vis other entrepreneurial firms. Our main findings are three. First, NTBFs generally experience a lower hazard rate compared to other entrepreneurial firms, which is interpreted as a sign of their high 'quality.' Second, all entrepreneurial firms are sensitive to and follow a pro-cyclical pattern of survival likelihood over the business cycle. Three, when comparing NTBFs with the broader group of other entrepreneurial firms, we find that NTBFs are more sensitive to business cycle fluctuations. The above results come with a qualification, though. The sensitivity during the business cycle mainly pertains to self-employed NTBFs. Also, NTBFs' higher survivability is only linked to not being characterized as self-employed.
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| 45. |
- Fan, Chuan-Wen, et al.
(author)
-
Prognostic Heterogeneity of MRE11 Based on the Location of Primary Colorectal Cancer Is Caused by Activation of Different Immune Signals
- 2020
-
In: Frontiers in Oncology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2234-943X. ; 9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: MRE11 plays an important role in DNA damage response for the maintenance of genome stability, and is becoming a prognostic marker for cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the correlations of MRE11 to prognosis and tumor-infiltrating inflammatory cells (TIICs) in different locations of CRC remains unclear.Methods: Among Swedish and TCGA-COREAD patients, we investigated the association of MRE11 expression, tumor-infiltrating inflammatory cells (TIICs) and microsatellite status with survival in right-sided colon cancer (RSCC) and left-sided colon and rectal cancer (LSCRC). The signaling of MRE11-related was further analyzed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis and ClueGO. Results: High MRE11 expression alone or combination of high MRE11 expression with high TIICs was related to favorable prognosis in LSCRC. Moreover, high MRE11 expression was associated with favorable prognosis in LSCRC with microsatellite stability. The relationships above were adjusted for tumor stage, differentiation, and/or TIICs. However, no such evidence was observed in RSCC. Several signaling pathways involving MRE11 were found to be associated with cell cycle and DNA repair in RSCC and LSCRC, whereas, the activation of the immune response and necrotic cell death were specifically correlated with LSCRC.Conclusions: High MRE11 expression is an independent prognostic marker in LSCRC and enhanced prognostic potency of combining high MRE11 with high TIICs in LSCRC, mainly due to differential immune signaling activated by MRE11 in RSCC and LSCRC, respectively.
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| 46. |
- Feitosa, Mary F., et al.
(author)
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Novel genetic associations for blood pressure identified via gene-alcohol interaction in up to 570K individuals across multiple ancestries
- 2018
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public library science. - 1932-6203. ; 13:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Heavy alcohol consumption is an established risk factor for hypertension; the mechanism by which alcohol consumption impact blood pressure (BP) regulation remains unknown. We hypothesized that a genome-wide association study accounting for gene-alcohol consumption interaction for BP might identify additional BP loci and contribute to the understanding of alcohol-related BP regulation. We conducted a large two-stage investigation incorporating joint testing of main genetic effects and single nucleotide variant (SNV)-alcohol consumption interactions. In Stage 1, genome-wide discovery meta-analyses in approximate to 131 K individuals across several ancestry groups yielded 3,514 SNVs (245 loci) with suggestive evidence of association (P <1.0 x 10(-5)). In Stage 2, these SNVs were tested for independent external replication in individuals across multiple ancestries. We identified and replicated (at Bonferroni correction threshold) five novel BP loci (380 SNVs in 21 genes) and 49 previously reported BP loci (2,159 SNVs in 109 genes) in European ancestry, and in multi-ancestry meta-analyses (P < 5.0 x 10(-8)). For African ancestry samples, we detected 18 potentially novel BP loci (P< 5.0 x 10(-8)) in Stage 1 that warrant further replication. Additionally, correlated meta-analysis identified eight novel BP loci (11 genes). Several genes in these loci (e.g., PINX1, GATA4, BLK, FTO and GABBR2 have been previously reported to be associated with alcohol consumption. These findings provide insights into the role of alcohol consumption in the genetic architecture of hypertension.
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| 47. |
- Feng, Hongliang, et al.
(author)
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Associations of timing of physical activity with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a prospective cohort study
- 2023
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Nature. - 2041-1723. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There is a growing interest in the role of timing of daily behaviors in improving health. However, little is known about the optimal timing of physical activity to maximize health benefits. We perform a cohort study of 92,139 UK Biobank participants with valid accelerometer data and all-cause and cause-specific mortality outcomes, comprising over 7 years of median follow-up (638,825 person-years). Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) at any time of day is associated with lower risks for all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality. In addition, compared with morning group (>50% of daily MVPA during 05:00-11:00), midday-afternoon (11:00-17:00) and mixed MVPA timing groups, but not evening group (17:00-24:00), have lower risks of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. These protective associations are more pronounced among the elderly, males, less physically active participants, or those with preexisting cardiovascular diseases. Here, we show that MVPA timing may have the potential to improve public health.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Foox, Jonathan, et al.
(author)
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The SEQC2 epigenomics quality control (EpiQC) study
- 2021
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In: Genome Biology. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1465-6906 .- 1474-760X. ; 22:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundCytosine modifications in DNA such as 5-methylcytosine (5mC) underlie a broad range of developmental processes, maintain cellular lineage specification, and can define or stratify types of cancer and other diseases. However, the wide variety of approaches available to interrogate these modifications has created a need for harmonized materials, methods, and rigorous benchmarking to improve genome-wide methylome sequencing applications in clinical and basic research. Here, we present a multi-platform assessment and cross-validated resource for epigenetics research from the FDA’s Epigenomics Quality Control Group.ResultsEach sample is processed in multiple replicates by three whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) protocols (TruSeq DNA methylation, Accel-NGS MethylSeq, and SPLAT), oxidative bisulfite sequencing (TrueMethyl), enzymatic deamination method (EMSeq), targeted methylation sequencing (Illumina Methyl Capture EPIC), single-molecule long-read nanopore sequencing from Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and 850k Illumina methylation arrays. After rigorous quality assessment and comparison to Illumina EPIC methylation microarrays and testing on a range of algorithms (Bismark, BitmapperBS, bwa-meth, and BitMapperBS), we find overall high concordance between assays, but also differences in efficiency of read mapping, CpG capture, coverage, and platform performance, and variable performance across 26 microarray normalization algorithms.ConclusionsThe data provided herein can guide the use of these DNA reference materials in epigenomics research, as well as provide best practices for experimental design in future studies. By leveraging seven human cell lines that are designated as publicly available reference materials, these data can be used as a baseline to advance epigenomics research.
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| 50. |
- Fukuzawa, Hironobu, et al.
(author)
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Real-time observation of X-ray-induced intramolecular and interatomic electronic decay in CH2I2
- 2019
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 10:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The increasing availability of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has catalyzed the development of single-object structural determination and of structural dynamics tracking in real-time. Disentangling the molecular-level reactions triggered by the interaction with an XFEL pulse is a fundamental step towards developing such applications. Here we report real-time observations of XFEL-induced electronic decay via short-lived transient electronic states in the diiodomethane molecule, using a femtosecond near-infrared probe laser. We determine the lifetimes of the transient states populated during the XFEL-induced Auger cascades and find that multiply charged iodine ions are issued from short-lived (∼20 fs) transient states, whereas the singly charged ones originate from significantly longer-lived states (∼100 fs). We identify the mechanisms behind these different time scales: contrary to the short-lived transient states which relax by molecular Auger decay, the long-lived ones decay by an interatomic Coulombic decay between two iodine atoms, during the molecular fragmentation. © 2019, The Author(s).
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