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A nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)‐based colorimetric chemosensor CNA (N,N,N‐trimethyl‐2‐(2‐(7‐nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol‐4‐yl)hydrazineyl)‐2‐oxoethan‐1‐aminium chloride) was synthesised. The sensor CNA can detect hypochlorite (ClO−) via colour variation of yellow to colourless. The detection limit for ClO− by CNA was analysed to be 0.36 μM. Moreover, the naked‐eye test strip was successfully applied for ClO− detection. The probing mechanism of CNA to ClO− was proposed to be a hydrolytic cleavage reaction of CNA by ClO− and was demonstrated by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conserved THO/TREX (transcription/export) complex is critical for pre-mRNA processing and mRNA nuclear export. In metazoa, TREX is loaded on nascent RNA transcribed by RNA polymerase II in a splicing-dependent fashion; however, how TREX functions is poorly understood. Here we show that Thoc5 and other TREX components are essential for the biogenesis of piRNA, a distinct class of small noncoding RNAs that control expression of transposable elements (TEs) in the Drosophila germline. Mutations in TREX lead to defects in piRNA biogenesis, resulting in derepression of multiple TE families, gametogenesis defects, and sterility. TREX components are enriched on piRNA precursors transcribed from dual-strand piRNA clusters and colocalize in distinct nuclear foci that overlap with sites of piRNA transcription. The localization of TREX in nuclear foci and its loading on piRNA precursor transcripts depend on Cutoff, a protein associated with chromatin of piRNA clusters. Finally, we show that TREX is required for accumulation of nascent piRNA precursors. Our study reveals a novel splicing-independent mechanism for TREX loading on nascent RNA and its importance in piRNA biogenesis.

A fluorometric and colorimetric chemosensor DiPP ((E)-3-(4-(diphenylamino)phenyl)-1-(pyridin-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one) based on chalcone structure with a triphenylamine group was synthesized. Sensor DiPP detected Pd2+ with fluorescence turn-off and via colorimetry variation of yellow to purple. The binding ratio of DiPP to Pd2+ turned out to be 1 : 1. Detection limits for Pd2+ by DiPP were analyzed to be 0.67 µM and 0.80 µM through the fluorescent and colorimetric methods. Additionally, the fluorescent and colorimetric test strips were applied for probing Pd2+ and displayed that DiPP could obviously discriminate Pd2+ from other metals. The binding feature of DiPP to Pd2+ was presented by ESI-mass, Job plot, NMR titration, ESI-mass, and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new thiosemicarbazide-naphthalene-based fluorescent chemosensor FNC ((2-(furan-2-carbonyl)-N-(naphthalen-1-yl)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide)) for Zn2+ was synthesized and identified. FNC was applied to selectively detect Zn2+ with fluorescent turn-on response. The detection limit was determined to be 1.93 µM, which is much below the WHO standard (76.5 µM). The detecting mechanism of FNC to Zn2+ was revealed to bind FNC to Zn2+ in the proportion of 1: 1 by Job plot, ESI-mass and 1H NMR titrations. DFT and TD-DFT calculations were performed for FNC and FNC-Zn2+, which provide insight into structural, electronic and photophysical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transposable elements (TEs) are DNA sequences that can transpose and replicate within the genome, leading to genetic changes that affect various aspects of host biology. Evolutionarily, hosts have also developed molecular mechanisms to suppress TEs at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Recent studies suggest that stress-induced formation of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules, including stress granule (SG) and processing body (P-body), can play a role in the sequestration of TEs to prevent transposition, suggesting an additional layer of the regulatory mechanism for TEs. RNP granules have been shown to contain factors involved in RNA regulation, including mRNA decay enzymes, RNA-binding proteins, and noncoding RNAs, which could potentially contribute to the regulation of TEs. Therefore, understanding the interplay between TEs and RNP granules is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms for maintaining genomic stability and controlling gene expression. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the current knowledge regarding the interplay between TEs and RNP granules, proposing RNP granules as a novel layer of the regulatory mechanism for TEs during stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)‐based chemosensor N′‐(7‐nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol‐4‐yl)thiophene‐2‐carbohydrazide (NTCH) was synthesized for detecting Hg2+. NTCH could sense Hg2+ through a color change method from pale yellow to pink. Binding ratio of NTCH and Hg2+ was determined to be 1:1 with the analysis of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and Job plot. Detection limit turned out to be 0.69 μM. In addition, NTCH could be successfully utilized for detecting Hg2+ in real water samples and visible color test strips. The probing mechanism of NTCH to Hg2+ was explained with 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) titration, Job plot, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), and theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dinitrophenol-based colorimetric chemosensor sequentially sensing Cu2+ and S2−, HDHT ((E)-2-(2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-dinitrobenzylidene)hydrazineyl)-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-oxoethan-1-aminium), was designed and synthesized. The HDHT selectively detected Cu2+ through a color change of yellow to colorless. The calculated detection limit of the HDHT for Cu2+ was 6.4 × 10−2 μM. In the interference test, the HDHT was not considerably inhibited by various metal ions in its detection of Cu2+. The chelation ratio of the HDHT to Cu2+ was determined as 1:1 by using a Job plot and ESI-MS experiment. In addition, the HDHT–Cu2+ complex showed that its color selectively returned to yellow only in the presence of S2−. The detection limit of the HDHT–Cu2+ complex for S2− was calculated to be 1.2 × 10−1 μM. In the inhibition experiment for S2−, the HDHT–Cu2+ complex did not significantly interfere with other anions. In the real water-sample test, the detection performance of the HDHT for Cu2+ and S2− was successfully examined. The detection features of HDHT for Cu2+ and the HDHT–Cu2+ for S2− were suggested by the Job plot, UV–Vis, ESI-MS, FT-IR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A naphthol and nitro‐aniline‐based fluorometric and colorimetric chemosensor BHMN, 1,1‐bis(2‐(((E)‐(2‐hydroxy naphthalene‐1‐yl)methylene)amino)ethyl)‐3‐(4‐nitrophenyl)thiourea, was synthesized. Sensor BHMN detected Al3+ with fluorescence turn‐on and Fe3+ via color variation of colorless to purple. Binding ratios of BHMN to Al3+ and Fe3+ turned out to be 1 : 1. Detection limits for Al3+ and Fe3+ by BHMN were analyzed to be 8.22 μM and 3.10 μM. Additionally, the naked‐eye test strip was applied for sensing Fe3+ and showed that BHMN could effectively discriminate Fe3+ from Fe2+ and other cations. The binding mechanisms of BHMN to Al3+ and Fe3+ were identified by ESI‐mass, Job plot, NMR titration, and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A naphthol and nitro‐aniline‐based fluorometric and colorimetric chemosensor BHMN, 1,1‐bis(2‐(((E)‐(2‐hydroxy naphthalene‐1‐yl)methylene)amino)ethyl)‐3‐(4‐nitrophenyl)thiourea, was synthesized. Sensor BHMN detected Al3+ with fluorescence turn‐on and Fe3+ via color variation of colorless to purple. Binding ratios of BHMN to Al3+ and Fe3+ turned out to be 1 : 1. Detection limits for Al3+ and Fe3+ by BHMN were analyzed to be 8.22 μM and 3.10 μM. Additionally, the naked‐eye test strip was applied for sensing Fe3+ and showed that BHMN could effectively discriminate Fe3+ from Fe2+ and other cations. The binding mechanisms of BHMN to Al3+ and Fe3+ were identified by ESI‐mass, Job plot, NMR titration, and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first chalcone-based colorimetric chemosensor DPP (sodium (E)-2,4-dichloro-6-(3-oxo-3-(pyridine-2-yl)prop-1-en-1-yl)phenolate) was synthesized for detecting Ni2+ in near-perfect water. The synthesis of DPP was validated by using 1H, 13C NMR and ESI-MS. DPP selectively sensed Ni2+ through the color variation from yellow to purple. Detection limit of DPP for Ni2+ was calculated to be 0.36 μM (3σ/slope), which is below the standard (1.2 μM) set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).The binding ratio of DPP to Ni2+ was determined as a 1:1 by using a Job plot and ESI-mass. The association constant of DPP and Ni2+ was calculated as 1.06 × 104 M−1 by the non-linear fitting analysis. In real samples, the sensing application of DPP for Ni2+ was successfully performed. DPP-coated paper-supported strips could also be used for detecting Ni2+. The binding mechanism of DPP to Ni2+ was proposed by ESI-MS, Job plot, UV-vis, FT-IR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many cancer patients are administered radiotherapy for their treatment, the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages in the tumor microenvironment attenuates the curative effects of radiotherapy. The enhanced activation of mTOR signaling in the tumors promotes tumor radioresistance. In this study, the effects of rapamycin on the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages were investigated. Rapamycin and 3BDO were used to regulate the mTOR pathway. In vitro , tumor cells cocultured with macrophages in the presence of each drug under normoxic or hypoxic conditions were irradiated with γ–rays. In vivo , mice were irradiated with γ–radiation after injection with DMSO, rapamycin and 3BDO into tumoral regions. Rapamycin reduced the secretion of IL-4 in tumor cells as well as YM1 in macrophages. Mouse recombinant YM1 decreased the enhanced level of ROS and the colocalized proportion of both xCT and EEA1 in irradiated tumor cells. Human recombinant YKL39 also induced results similar to those of YM1. Moreover, the colocalized proportion of both xCT and LC3 in tumor tissues was elevated by the injection of rapamycin into tumoral regions. Overall, the suppression of mTOR signaling in the tumor microenvironment might be useful for the improvement of tumor radioresistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SETDB1 HMTase participates in various cellular processes via epigenetic transcriptional regulation. SETDB1 expression is downregulated by anticancer drug treatment in cancer cells, but we still need to verify the functional significance on SETDB1 downregulation. CRISPR/cas9 is a useful technology for doing a knockout (KO) of a target gene. It is widely used to examine the function of genes. In this study, we prepared SETDB1-KO from A549 human lung cancer cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and we compared molecular changes between the A549 cells and the SETDB1-KO cells. The SETDB1-KO cell proliferation rate was slightly decreased as compared to the A549 cells, but there was no large difference in sensitivity with doxorubicin treatment. Instead, the migration activity and transforming activity were dramatically increased in SETDB-KO cells. Using a western blot analysis and an immunostaining experiment, we confirmed that SETDB1-KO downregulates the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin. A qPCR and an RT-PCR analysis suggested that SETDB1 transcriptionally regulates E-cadherin and β-catenin. Moreover, E-cadherin expression was also detected in the cytoplasmic region of SETDB1-KO cells, indicating that functional localization of E-cadherin might be changed in SETDB1-KO cells. On the other hand, total levels of STAT3 and Akt were increased in the SETDB1-KO cells, but activation of STAT3 (pSTAT3) was not induced in doxorubicin-treated SETDB1-KO cells. SETDB1 overexpression into SETDB1-KO cells restores the expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin, STAT3, and Akt, suggesting that those proteins are tightly regulated by SETDB1. Collectively, we suggest that complex regulations on E-cadherin, β-catenin, STAT3, and Akt are correlated with the increased migration and transforming activity of SETDB1-KO cells. • SETDB1-KO has no influence on doxorubicin sensitivity but increases migration and transforming activity. • SETDB1-KO downregulates expression of E-cadherin and ꞵ-catenin, whereas upregulates expression of STAT3 and Akt. • SETDB1 overexpression restores the expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin, STAT3, and Akt. • Complex regulations on those proteins are correlated with the increased migration and transforming activity of SETDB1-KO cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among many candidates for photoanode materials of photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell, nanostructured tungsten trioxide (WO3) is regarded as one of the most promising materials due to its superior electrical properties and adequate bandgap (∼2.8 eV) and band edge position. WO3 nanoflakes (WO3 NFs), which have merits on its high surface area and crystallinity, have been actively studied for this manner but solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of WO3 NFs based photoanode is still not sufficient both in light absorption and charge separation. Plasmon-induced enhancement using Au nanoparticles is excellent approach for both the efficiency of light absorption and charge separation of WO3. However, it still needs optimization on its amount, shape, coverage, and etc. Here, we synthesized WO3 NFs by solvothermal growth and decorated gold nanoparticles on these nanoflakes by e-beam evaporation and rapid thermal annealing process in a row. By this process, a large-area AuNPs/WO3 nanocomposite structure with various size, interparticle distance, and coverage of AuNPs were fabricated. These AuNPs/WO3 NFs type photoanode achieve high light absorption both in UV and visible range and consequently higher photocurrent density. The optimized AuNPs/WO3 nanocomposite photoanode exhibits 1.01 mA cm−2 of photocurrent density, which is increased to 19.8% compared with bare WO3 nanoflakes. Field emission-scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectrometer analysis were measured to analyze the morphology and crystallinity and relationship between structure and PEC performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a method to increase the coupling between the ground and the antenna to improve the radiation performance of the mobile antenna. By adjusting the length of the slot antenna located at the center of the 48 mm × 15 mm ground resonating at 2.45 GHz, the coupling between the ground and the antenna can be controlled. When the coupling between the ground and the antenna is sufficiently strong, the ground resonance mode is strongly excited and a better radiation performance can be obtained. As the length of the slot antenna increases from 5 to 10 mm, the coupling between the ground and the antenna becomes stronger and the impedance bandwidth of −10 dB at 2.45 GHz becomes five times wider from 160 MHz (6.5%) to 780 MHz (31.8%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this letter, an antenna design method based on control of current distribution is presented. By adjusting the current distributions using reactive elements, the antenna can couple differently with the ground plane, achieving different performances. When the antenna is located in the ground plane where the electric field is strong, monopole-type current distributions are preferred to loop-type current distributions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2937-2940, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effect of coupling between the antenna and ground characteristic mode is investigated by comparing the radiation performance of antennas located inside and outside the ground plane. In general, it is understood that an antenna occupying a larger space has better radiation performance. However, in this paper, it is shown that coupling between the antenna and ground is important for radiation performance, rather than the size occupied by the antenna. The antenna is strongly coupled with the ground characteristic mode when located inside the ground; the −10 dB bandwidth is 130 MHz at 2.45 GHz, and the measured realized efficiency is −0.64 dB in the 2.4‐2.5 GHz band. When the antenna protrudes from the ground plane, the coupling between the antenna and the ground characteristic mode is weak, achieving a narrower −10 dB bandwidth of 50 MHz at 2.45 GHz, and lower measured realized efficiency of −2.20 dB in the 2.4‐2.5 GHz band. In other words, the radiation performance of the same antenna is significantly influenced by the coupling with the ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to conventional and complex processes, including deposition, photolithography, and plasma-etching processes, WO3nano-to-micro structures were successfully fabricated using direct imprinting process using WO3nanoparticle-dispersed resin and consecutive annealing on any substrates in a simpler and more cost-effective manner. WO3nanoparticle dispersed resins with various concentrations were evaluated for direct imprinting of WO3. The pattern fidelity and the surface morphology of imprinted WO3nano-to-micro structures were characterized with field emission SEM. X-ray diffractionpattern was used to investigate the effect of annealing process on crystallinity of WO3nano-to-micro structures. The crystal structure of imprinted WO3was transformed from a hexagonal phase into a monoclinic phase by annealing. Optical transmittance of WO3structures were also investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy. It was confirmed that diffused transmittance of WO3structures could be increased up to 70% at 550 nm of wavelength without noticeable reduction of total transmittance, which is potentially applicable in the field of optoelectronic devices. Photo-electrochemical cells made of imprinted WO3structure were properly operated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT In this article, a planar monopole antenna very close to the ground plane of mobile handsets is presented. Multiband operation is achieved by controlling the magnetic coupling between the feed structure and antenna structure with a slot structure and inductor. Measurements demonstrate that the proposed antenna possesses frequencies of 228 MHz (813-1041 MHz) and 601 MHz (1643-2244 MHz) with a voltage standing wave ratio of three even though the size of the proposed antenna is only 60 × 7 mm2. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:823-826, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A new feed structure with a loop-type radiator is proposed for achieving a wide bandwidth characteristic. The method for achieving a wide impedance bandwidth characteristic is to control the input impedance of the feed structure using a parallel capacitor and inductor. The size of the ground plane is 50 × 20 mm 2, which is usually used as the ground for USB dongle applications. The size of the rectangular ground clearance for the loop-type antenna is 8 × 4 mm 2. The proposed antenna was designed and measured using HFSS and a 3D CTIA OTA chamber. The center frequency is 2.45 GHz and the impedance bandwidth under VSWR = 2:1 is 550 MHz (2.18-2.73 GHz), which is adequate for long term evolution bands (7, 30, 40) and Wi-Fi applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1742-1744, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The heavy occupancy of transposons in the genome implies that existing organisms have survived from multiple, independent rounds of transposon invasions. However, how and which host cell types survive the initial wave of transposon invasion remain unclear. We show that the germline stem cells can initiate a robust adaptive response that rapidly endogenizes invading P element transposons by activating the DNA damage checkpoint and piRNA production. We find that temperature modulates the P element activity in germline stem cells, establishing a powerful tool to trigger transposon hyper-activation. Facing vigorous invasion, Drosophila first shut down oogenesis and induce selective apoptosis. Interestingly, a robust adaptive response occurs in ovarian stem cells through activation of the DNA damage checkpoint. Within 4 days, the hosts amplify P element-silencing piRNAs, repair DNA damage, subdue the transposon, and reinitiate oogenesis. We propose that this robust adaptive response can bestow upon organisms the ability to survive recurrent transposon invasions throughout evolution. Highlights • Shifting temperature can adjust the intensity of P element transposon invasion • Germline stem cells employ a robust adaptive response to endogenize invading transposons • Activation of the DNA damage checkpoint blocks oogenesis to tame transposons • Chk2-mediated adaptive response promotes piRNA production and silences transposons Transposon invasion triggers genome instability and leads to species endangering. Moon and Cassani et al. demonstrate the presence of a robust adaptive response from germline stem cells to endogenize invading transposons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reconstructed surface structure of Co‐based spinel oxides serves as the active site for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the structural complexity of spinel oxides and surface dynamics during the OER hinder the understanding of the reconstruction mechanism and electronic structure of the active site. In this study, spinel Co3O4@(CoFeV)3O4 nanocube (CoFeV) is reported, a (001) facet‐defined spinel oxide comprising Co, Fe, and V deposited on the Co3O4 nanocube template to exclude facet‐dependent factors. Introducing highly dissoluble V cations accelerates the reconstruction process to enhance the electrocatalytic activity. CoFeV exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity (266 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH) and durability (maintained stable electrocatalytic activity during a 200 h chronopotentiometry (CP) test at 100 mA cm−2) with significantly enlarged electrochemically active surface area (ECSA). The experimental and theoretical results demonstrated that V dissolution during catalysis induced oxygen vacancies, accelerating the surface reconstruction to highly active oxyhydroxide. Consequently, the anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) of CoFeV as the anode exhibited a remarkable performance of 6.19 A cm−2 at 2.0 Vcell in 1 M KOH and robust durability for 96 h at a constant current density of 500 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Long-term exposure of AgNPs at low doses (0.1–1μg/mL) but not Ag ions affects lifespan of Drosophila. [•] Isolation of a GAL4 enhancer trap line (M95) as a sensitive biomarker of AgNPs. [•] M95 flies are more sensitive to AgNPs and dry starvation compared to the control flies. [•] AgNPs treatment up-regulates the JNK signaling in Drosophila. [•] The basal level of p-JNK is elevated in M95 compared to control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Although animals have evolved multiple mechanisms to suppress transposons, “leaky” mobilizations that cause mutations and diseases still occur. This suggests that transposons employ specific tactics to accomplish robust propagation. By directly tracking mobilization, we show that, during a short and specific time window of oogenesis, retrotransposons achieve massive amplification via a cell-type-specific targeting strategy. Retrotransposons rarely mobilize in undifferentiated germline stem cells. However, as oogenesis proceeds, they utilize supporting nurse cells—which are highly polyploid and eventually undergo apoptosis—as factories to massively manufacture invading products. Moreover, retrotransposons rarely integrate into nurse cells themselves but, instead, via microtubule-mediated transport, they preferentially target the DNA of the interconnected oocytes. Blocking microtubule-dependent intercellular transport from nurse cells significantly alleviates damage to the oocyte genome. Our data reveal that parasitic genomic elements can efficiently hijack a host developmental process to propagate robustly, thereby driving evolutionary change and causing disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorless polyimide (CPI) is a promising material for flexible substrates because of its excellent mechanical hardness, chemical durability, thermal stability, and high optical transmittance. In particular, its superior durability under heating and mechanical forces compared with other polymeric materials makes polyimide compatible for industrial applications. Thus, it has been actively investigated for use in preparing flexible and transparent substrates for optical devices. Nevertheless, there is little research on the direct pattering of CPI to form structures with various optical functions. In this research, a simple and cost-effective process involving the patterning of optically functional structures and imidization via thermal nanoimprint lithography (NIL) was developed. CPI films patterned with structures such as nanoscale and microscale cones were fabricated by thermal NIL, and their optical functions, including their anti-reflection and high scattering properties, were demonstrated by UV–vis analysis. Moreover, the patterned CPI film has an excellent thermal stability and a mechanical hardness up to 1.12 GPa; this value was nearly maintained even at 400 °C. Therefore, nano- to microscale optical patterns of CPI were successfully formed, and these structures are stable towards mechanical damage and high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe an X-linked genetic syndrome associated with mutations in TAF1 and manifesting with global developmental delay, intellectual disability (ID), characteristic facial dysmorphology, generalized hypotonia, and variable neurologic features, all in male individuals. Simultaneous studies using diverse strategies led to the identification of nine families with overlapping clinical presentations and affected by de novo or maternally inherited single-nucleotide changes. Two additional families harboring large duplications involving TAF1 were also found to share phenotypic overlap with the probands harboring single-nucleotide changes, but they also demonstrated a severe neurodegeneration phenotype. Functional analysis with RNA-seq for one of the families suggested that the phenotype is associated with downregulation of a set of genes notably enriched with genes regulated by E-box proteins. In addition, knockdown and mutant studies of this gene in zebrafish have shown a quantifiable, albeit small, effect on a neuronal phenotype. Our results suggest that mutations in TAF1 play a critical role in the development of this X-linked ID syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lymphatic vasculature plays important role in regulating fluid homeostasis, intestinal lipid absorption, and immune surveillance in humans. Malfunction of lymphatic vasculature leads to several human diseases. Understanding the fundamental mechanism in lymphatic vascular development not only expand our knowledge, but also provide a new therapeutic insight. Recently, Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, a key mechanism of organ size and tissue homeostasis, has emerged as a critical player that regulate lymphatic specification, sprouting, and maturation. In this review, we discuss the mechanistic regulation and pathophysiological significant of Hippo pathway in lymphatic vascular development. [BMB Reports 2021; 54(6): 285-294].

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a facultative intracellular pathogen that causes salmonellosis and mortality worldwide. S. Typhimurium infects macrophages and survives within phagosomes by avoiding the phagosome-lysosome fusion system. Phagosomes sequentially acquire different Rab GTPases during maturation and eventually fuse with acidic lysosomes. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is a bioactive lipid that is associated with the generation of chemoattractants and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In our previous study, LPC controlled the intracellular growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by promoting phagosome maturation. In this study, to verify whether LPC enhances phagosome maturation and regulates the intracellular growth of S. Typhimurium, macrophages were infected with S. Typhimurium. LPC decreased the intracellular bacterial burden, but it did not induce cytotoxicity in S. Typhimuriuminfected cells. In addition, combined administration of LPC and antibiotic significantly reduced the bacterial burden in the spleen and the liver. The ratios of the colocalization of intracellular S. Typhimurium with phagosome maturation markers, such as early endosome antigen 1 (EEA1) and lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1), were significantly increased in LPC-treated cells. The expression level of cleaved cathepsin D was rapidly increased in LPCtreated cells during S. Typhimurium infection. Treatment with LPC enhanced ROS production, but it did not affect nitric oxide production in S. Typhimurium-infected cells. LPC also rapidly triggered the phosphorylation of IκBα during S. Typhimurium infection. These results suggest that LPC can improve phagosome maturation via ROS-induced activation of NF-κB pathway and thus may be developed as a therapeutic agent to control S. Typhimurium growth.

Among many candidates for photoanode materials of photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell, nanostructured tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) is regarded as one of the most promising materials due to its superior electrical properties and adequate bandgap (∼2.8 eV) and band edge position. WO 3 nanoflakes (WO 3 NFs), which have merits on its high surface area and crystallinity, have been actively studied for this manner but solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of WO 3 NFs based photoanode is still not sufficient both in light absorption and charge separation. Plasmon-induced enhancement using Au nanoparticles is excellent approach for both the efficiency of light absorption and charge separation of WO 3 . However, it still needs optimization on its amount, shape, coverage, and etc. Here, we synthesized WO 3 NFs by solvothermal growth and decorated gold nanoparticles on these nanoflakes by e-beam evaporation and rapid thermal annealing process in a row. By this process, a large-area AuNPs/WO 3 nanocomposite structure with various size, interparticle distance, and coverage of AuNPs were fabricated. These AuNPs/WO 3 NFs type photoanode achieve high light absorption both in UV and visible range and consequently higher photocurrent density. The optimized AuNPs/WO 3 nanocomposite photoanode exhibits 1.01 mA cm -2 of photocurrent density, which is increased to 19.8% compared with bare WO 3 nanoflakes. Field emission-scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectrometer analysis were measured to analyze the morphology and crystallinity and relationship between structure and PEC performance.

Omnidirectionally stretchable photodetectors are limited by difficulties in designing material and fabrication processes that enable stretchability in multiaxial directions. Here, we propose a new approach involving an organic-inorganic p-n heterojunction photodetector comprised of free-standing ZnO nanorods grown on a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate transport layer coated on a three-dimensional micropatterned stretchable substrate containing bumps and valleys. This structure allows for efficient absorption of stretching strain. This approach allows the device to accommodate large tensile strain in all of the directions. The device behaves as a photogated p-n heterojunction photodetector in which current modulation was obtained by sensing the mechanisms that rely on photovoltage and photogating effects. The device exhibits a high photoresponse to UV light and reliable electrical performance under applied stretching in uniaxial and omniaxial directions. Furthermore, the device can be easily and conformally attached to a human wrist. This allowed us to investigate the response of the device to UV light during human activity.

In this research, an InGaN-based photoanode with a broadband light-absorption range from ultraviolet to green, patterned by imprint lithography and branched by ZnO nanowires, has been applied to water splitting. Over the solar spectrum range, the absorbance increases due to the scattering effect of the micro-structure compared to that of flat surface InGaN, which reaches a maximum of over 90% at 380 nm as ZnO nanowires are further employed in this novel photoanode. Consequently, the induced photocurrent density of the InGaN photoanode with a domelike structure and ZnO nanowires on the surface shows a remarkable enhancement of seven times that of the one with a flat surface. Further investigation indicates the wet-etching process for defect removal has an essential impact on photocurrent efficiency. This design demonstrates an innovative approach for water splitting.

We describe an X-linked genetic syndrome associated with mutations in TAF1 and manifesting with global developmental delay, intellectual disability (ID), characteristic facial dysmorphology, generalized hypotonia, and variable neurologic features, all in male individuals. Simultaneous studies using diverse strategies led to the identification of nine families with overlapping clinical presentations and affected by de novo or maternally inherited single-nucleotide changes. Two additional families harboring large duplications involving TAF1 were also found to share phenotypic overlap with the probands harboring single-nucleotide changes, but they also demonstrated a severe neurodegeneration phenotype. Functional analysis with RNA-seq for one of the families suggested that the phenotype is associated with downregulation of a set of genes notably enriched with genes regulated by E-box proteins. In addition, knockdown and mutant studies of this gene in zebrafish have shown a quantifiable, albeit small, effect on a neuronal phenotype. Our results suggest that mutations in TAF1 play a critical role in the development of this X-linked ID syndrome., (Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The THO complex is a conserved multisubunit protein complex that functions in the formation of export-competent messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP). Although the complex has been studied extensively at the single-cell level, its exact role at the multicellular organism level has been poorly understood. Here, we isolated a novel Drosophila male sterile mutant, garmcho (garm). Positional cloning indicated that garm encodes a subunit of the Drosophila THO complex, THOC5. Flies lacking THOC5 showed a meiotic arrest phenotype with severe nucleolar disruption in primary spermatocytes. A functional GFP-tagged fusion protein, THOC5-GFP, revealed a unique pattern of THOC5 localization near the nucleolus. The nucleolar distribution of a testis-specific TATA binding protein (TBP)-associated factor (tTAF), SA, which is required for the expression of genes responsible for sperm differentiation, was severely disrupted in mutant testes lacking THOC5. But THOC5 appeared to be largely dispensable for the expression and nuclear export of either tTAF target mRNAs or tTAF-independent mRNAs. Taken together, our study suggests that the Drosophila THO complex is necessary for proper spermatogenesis by contribution to the establishment or maintenance of nucleolar integrity rather than by nuclear mRNA export in spermatocytes.

Background: A TRPN channel protein is essential for sensory transduction in insect mechanosensory neurons and in vertebrate hair cells. The Drosophila TRPN homolog, NOMPC, is required to generate mechanoreceptor potentials and currents in tactile bristles. NOMPC is also required, together with a TRPV channel, for transduction by chordotonal neurons of the fly's antennal ear, but the TRPN or TRPV channels have distinct roles in transduction and in regulating active antennal mechanics. The evidence suggests that NOMPC is a primary mechanotransducer channel, but its subcellular location-key for understanding its exact role in transduction-has not yet been established., Methodology/principal Findings: Here, by immunostaining, we locate NOMPC at the tips of mechanosensory cilia in both external and chordotonal sensory neurons, as predicted for a mechanotransducer channel. In chordotonal neurons, the TRPN and TRPV channels are respectively segregated into distal and proximal ciliary zones. This zonal separation is demarcated by and requires the ciliary dilation, an intraciliary assembly of intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins., Conclusions: Our results provide a strong evidence for NOMPC as a primary transduction channel in Drosophila mechansensory organs. The data also reveals a structural basis for the model of auditory chordotonal transduction in which the TRPN and TRPV channels play sequential roles in generating and amplifying the receptor potential, but have opposing roles in regulating active ciliary motility.