bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic chemopreventive effects of curcumin and berberine on human breast cancer cells through induction of apoptosis and autophagic cell death
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Chao , Bao Jiaolin , Jia Xuejing , Liang Yeer , Wang Xiaotong , Chen Meiwan , Su Huanxing , Li Peng , Wan Jian-Bo , He Chengwei
Published: June 2016

Curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR) are renowned natural compounds that exhibit potent anticancer activities through distinct molecular mechanisms. However, the anticancer capacity of either CUR or BBR is limited. This prompted us to investigate the chemopreventive potential of co-treatment of CUR and BBR against breast cancers. The results showed that CUR and BBR in combination synergistically inhibited the growth of both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells than the compounds used alone. Further study confirmed that synergistic anti-breast cancer activities of co-treatment of these two compounds was through inducing more apoptosis and autophagic cell death (ACD). The co-treatment-induced apoptosis was caspase-dependent and through activating ERK pathways. Our data also demonstrated that co-treatment of CUR and BBR strongly up-regulated phosphorylation of JNK and Beclin1 and decreased phosphorylated Bcl-2. Inhibition of JNK by SP600125 markedly decreased LC3-II and Beclin1, restored phosphorylated Bcl-2 and reduced the cytotoxicity induced by the two compounds in combination. These results strongly suggested that JNK/Bcl-2/Beclin1 pathway played a key role in the induction of ACD in breast cancer cells by co-treatment of CUR and BBR. This study provides an insight into the potential application of curcumin and berberine in combination for the chemoprevention and treatment of breast cancers.
A Material Conferring Hemocompatibility
Authors: Everett William , Scurr David J , Rammou Anna , Darbyshire Arnold , Hamilton George , de Mel Achala
Published: June 2016

There is a need for biomimetic materials for use in blood-contacting devices. Blood contacting surfaces maintain their patency through physico-chemical properties of a functional endothelium. A poly(carbonate-urea) urethane (PCU) is used as a base material to examine the feasibility of L-Arginine methyl ester (L-AME) functionalized material for use in implants and coatings. The study hypothesizes that L-AME, incorporated into PCU, functions as a bioactive porogen, releasing upon contact with blood to interact with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) present in blood. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) were successfully cultured on L-AME functionalized material, indicating that L-AME -increases cell viability. L-AME functionalized material potentially has broad applications in blood-contacting medical devices, as well as various other applications requiring endogenous up-regulation of nitric oxide, such as wound healing. This study presents an in-vitro investigation to demonstrate the novel anti-thrombogenic properties of L-AME, when in solution and when present within a polyurethane-based polymer.
Exogenous N addition enhances the responses of gross primary productivity to individual precipitation events in a temperate grassland
Authors: Guo Qun , Hu Zhong-min , Li Sheng-gong , Yu Gui-rui , Sun Xiao-min , Li Ling-hao , Liang Nai-shen , Bai Wen-ming
Published: June 2016

Predicted future shifts in the magnitude and frequency (larger but fewer) of precipitation events and enhanced nitrogen (N) deposition may interact to affect grassland productivity, but the effects of N enrichment on the productivity response to individual precipitation events remain unclear. In this study, we quantified the effects of N addition on the response patterns of gross primary productivity (GPP) to individual precipitation events of different sizes (Psize) in a temperate grassland in China. The results showed that N enrichment significantly increased the time-integrated amount of GPP in response to an individual precipitation event (GPPtotal) and the N-induced stimulation of GPP increased with increasing Psize. N enrichment rarely affected the duration of the GPP response, but it significantly stimulated the maximum absolute GPP response. Higher foliar N content might play an important role in the N-induced stimulation of GPP. GPPtotal in both the N-addition and control treatments increased linearly with Psize with similar Psize intercepts (approximately 5 mm, indicating a similar lower Psize threshold to stimulate the GPP response) but had a steeper slope under N addition. Our work indicates that the projected larger precipitation events will stimulate grassland productivity and this stimulation might be amplified by increasing N deposition.
Supersonic Dislocation Bursts in Silicon
Authors: Hahn E. N. , Zhao S. , Bringa E. M. , Meyers M. A.
Published: June 2016

Dislocations are the primary agents of permanent deformation in crystalline solids. Since the theoretical prediction of supersonic dislocations over half a century ago, there is a dearth of experimental evidence supporting their existence. Here we use non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of shocked silicon to reveal transient supersonic partial dislocation motion at approximately 15 km/s, faster than any previous in-silico observation. Homogeneous dislocation nucleation occurs near the shock front and supersonic dislocation motion lasts just fractions of picoseconds before the dislocations catch the shock front and decelerate back to the elastic wave speed. Applying a modified analytical equation for dislocation evolution we successfully predict a dislocation density of 1.5 × 1012 cm−2 within the shocked volume, in agreement with the present simulations and realistic in regards to prior and on-going recovery experiments in silicon.
A sacrificial millipede altruistically protects its swarm using a drone blood enzyme, mandelonitrile oxidase
Authors: Ishida Yuko , Kuwahara Yasumasa , Dadashipour Mohammad , Ina Atsutoshi , Yamaguchi Takuya , Morita Masashi , Ichiki Yayoi , Asano Yasuhisa
Published: June 2016

Soldiers of some eusocial insects exhibit an altruistic self-destructive defense behavior in emergency situations when attacked by large enemies. The swarm-forming invasive millipede, Chamberlinius hualienensis, which is not classified as eusocial animal, exudes irritant chemicals such as benzoyl cyanide as a defensive secretion. Although it has been thought that this defensive chemical was converted from mandelonitrile, identification of the biocatalyst has remained unidentified for 40 years. Here, we identify the novel blood enzyme, mandelonitrile oxidase (ChuaMOX), which stoichiometrically catalyzes oxygen consumption and synthesis of benzoyl cyanide and hydrogen peroxide from mandelonitrile. Interestingly the enzymatic activity is suppressed at a blood pH of 7 and the enzyme is segregated by membranes of defensive sacs from mandelonitrile which has a pH of 4.6, the optimum pH for ChuaMOX activity. In addition, strong body muscle contractions are necessary for de novo synthesis of benzoyl cyanide. We propose that, to protect its swarm, the sacrificial millipede also applies a self-destructive defense strategy—the endogenous rupturing of the defensive sacs to mix ChuaMOX and mandelonitrile at an optimum pH. Further study of defensive systems in primitive arthropods will pave the way to elucidate the evolution of altruistic defenses in the animal kingdom.
An extra dimension in protein tagging by quantifying universal proteotypic peptides using targeted proteomics
Authors: Vandemoortele Giel , Staes An , Gonnelli Giulia , Samyn Noortje , De Sutter Delphine , Vandermarliere Elien , Timmerman Evy , Gevaert Kris , Martens Lennart , Eyckerman Sven
Published: June 2016

The use of protein tagging to facilitate detailed characterization of target proteins has not only revolutionized cell biology, but also enabled biochemical analysis through efficient recovery of the protein complexes wherein the tagged proteins reside. The endogenous use of these tags for detailed protein characterization is widespread in lower organisms that allow for efficient homologous recombination. With the recent advances in genome engineering, tagging of endogenous proteins is now within reach for most experimental systems, including mammalian cell lines cultures. In this work, we describe the selection of peptides with ideal mass spectrometry characteristics for use in quantification of tagged proteins using targeted proteomics. We mined the proteome of the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus to obtain two peptides that are unique in the proteomes of all known model organisms (proteotypic) and allow sensitive quantification of target proteins in a complex background. By combining these ’Proteotypic peptides for Quantification by SRM’ (PQS peptides) with epitope tags, we demonstrate their use in co-immunoprecipitation experiments upon transfection of protein pairs, or after introduction of these tags in the endogenous proteins through genome engineering. Endogenous protein tagging for absolute quantification provides a powerful extra dimension to protein analysis, allowing the detailed characterization of endogenous proteins.
Virtual unrolling and deciphering of Herculaneum papyri by X-ray phase-contrast tomography
Authors: Bukreeva I. , Mittone A. , Bravin A. , Festa G. , Alessandrelli M. , Coan P. , Formoso V. , Agostino R. G. , Giocondo M. , Ciuchi F. , Fratini M. , Massimi L. , Lamarra A. , Andreani C. , Bartolino R. , Gigli G. , Ranocchia G. , Cedola A.
Published: June 2016

A collection of more than 1800 carbonized papyri, discovered in the Roman ‘Villa dei Papiri’ at Herculaneum is the unique classical library survived from antiquity. These papyri were charred during 79 A.D. Vesuvius eruption, a circumstance which providentially preserved them until now. This magnificent collection contains an impressive amount of treatises by Greek philosophers and, especially, Philodemus of Gadara, an Epicurean thinker of 1st century BC. We read many portions of text hidden inside carbonized Herculaneum papyri using enhanced X-ray phase-contrast tomography non-destructive technique and a new set of numerical algorithms for ‘virtual-unrolling’. Our success lies in revealing the largest portion of Greek text ever detected so far inside unopened scrolls, with unprecedented spatial resolution and contrast, all without damaging these precious historical manuscripts. Parts of text have been decoded and the ‘voice’ of the Epicurean philosopher Philodemus is brought back again after 2000 years from Herculaneum papyri.
A metabolomics cell-based approach for anticipating and investigating drug-induced liver injury
Authors: García- Cañaveras Juan Carlos , Castell José V. , Donato M. Teresa , Lahoz Agustín
Published: June 2016

In preclinical stages of drug development, anticipating potential adverse drug effects such as toxicity is an important issue for both saving resources and preventing public health risks. Currentin vitrocytotoxicity tests are restricted by their predictive potential and their ability to provide mechanistic information. This study aimed to develop a metabolomic mass spectrometry-based approach for the detection and classification of drug-induced hepatotoxicity. To this end, the metabolite profiles of human derived hepatic cells (i.e., HepG2) exposed to different well-known hepatotoxic compounds acting through different mechanisms (i.e., oxidative stress, steatosis, phospholipidosis and controls) were compared by multivariate data analysis, thus allowing us to decipher both common and mechanism-specific altered biochemical pathways. Briefly, oxidative stress damage markers were found in the three mechanisms, mainly showing altered levels of metabolites associated with glutathione and γ-glutamyl cycle. Phospholipidosis was characterized by a decreased lysophospholipids to phospholipids ratio, suggestive of phospholipid degradation inhibition. Whereas, steatosis led to impaired fatty acids β-oxidation and a subsequent increase in triacylglycerides synthesis. The characteristic metabolomic profiles were used to develop a predictive model aimed not only to discriminate between non-toxic and hepatotoxic drugs, but also to propose potential drug toxicity mechanism(s).
Quantifying promoter activity during the developmental cycle of Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Cong Yanguang , Gao Leiqiong , Zhang Yan , Xian Yuqi , Hua Ziyu , Elaasar Hiba , Shen Li
Published: June 2016

Chlamydia trachomatis is an important human pathogen that undergoes a characteristic development cycle correlating with stage-specific gene expression profiles. Taking advantage of recent developments in the genetic transformation in C. trachomatis, we constructed a versatile green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter system to study the development-dependent function of C. trachomatis promoters in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism that controls C. trachomatis adaptability. We validated the use of the GFP reporter system by visualizing the activity of an early euo gene promoter. Additionally, we uncovered a new ompA promoter, which we named P3, utilizing the GFP reporter system combined with 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), in vitro transcription assays, real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) and flow cytometry. Mutagenesis of the P3 region verifies that P3 is a new class of C. trachomatis σ66-dependent promoter, which requires an extended −10 TGn motif for transcription. These results corroborate complex developmentally controlled ompA expression in C. trachomatis. The exploitation of genetically labeled C. trachomatis organisms with P3-driven GFP allows for the observation of changes in ompA expression in response to developmental signals. The results of this study could be used to complement previous findings and to advance understanding of C. trachomatis genetic expression.
Widely tunable Tm-doped mode-locked all-fiber laser
Authors: Yan Zhiyu , Sun Biao , Li Xiaohui , Luo Jiaqi , Shum Perry Ping , Yu Xia , Zhang Ying , Wang Qi Jie
Published: June 2016

We demonstrated a widely tunable Tm-doped mode-locked all-fiber laser, with the widest tunable range of 136 nm, from 1842 to 1978 nm. Nonlinear polarization evolution (NPE) technique is employed to enable mode-locking and the wavelength-tunable operation. The widely tunable range attributes to the NPE-induced transmission modulation and bidirectional pumping mechanism. Such kind of tunable mode-locked laser can find various applications in optical communications, spectroscopy, time-resolved measurement, and among others.
NanoARPES of twisted bilayer graphene on SiC: absence of velocity renormalization for small angles
Authors: Razado-Colambo I. , Avila J. , Nys J.-P. , Chen C. , Wallart X. , Asensio M.-C. , Vignaud D.
Published: June 2016

The structural and electronic properties of twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) on SiC(000"Equation missing") grown by Si flux-assisted molecular beam epitaxy were investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy with nanometric spatial resolution. STM images revealed a wide distribution of twist angles between the two graphene layers. The electronic structure recorded in single TBG grains showed two closely-spaced Dirac π bands associated to the two stacked layers with respective twist angles in the range 1–3°. The renormalization of velocity predicted in previous theoretical calculations for small twist angles was not observed.
Robust, Self-Healing Superhydrophobic Fabrics Prepared by One-Step Coating of PDMS and Octadecylamine
Authors: Xue Chao-Hua , Bai Xue , Jia Shun-Tian
Published: June 2016

A robust, self-healing superhydrophobic poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabric was fabricated by a convenient solution-dipping method using an easily available material system consisting of polydimethylsiloxane and octadecylamine (ODA). The surface roughness was formed by self-roughening of ODA coating on PET fibers without any lithography steps or adding any nanomaterials. The fabric coating was durable to withstand 120 cycles of laundry and 5000 cycles of abrasion without apparently changing the superhydrophobicity. More interestingly, the fabric can restore its super liquid-repellent property by 72 h at room temperature even after 20000 cycles of abrasion. Meanwhile, after being damaged chemically, the fabric can restore its superhydrophobicity automatically in 12 h at room temperature or by a short-time heating treatment. We envision that this simple but effective coating system may lead to the development of robust protective clothing for various applications.
Fermi level position, Coulomb gap and Dresselhaus splitting in (Ga,Mn)As
Authors: Souma S. , Chen L. , Oszwałdowski R. , Sato T. , Matsukura F. , Dietl T. , Ohno H. , Takahashi T.
Published: June 2016

Carrier-induced nature of ferromagnetism in a ferromagnetic semiconductor, (Ga,Mn)As, offers a great opportunity to observe novel spin-related phenomena as well as to demonstrate new functionalities of spintronic devices. Here, we report on low-temperature angle-resolved photoemission studies of the valence band in this model compound. By a direct determination of the distance of the split-off band to the Fermi energy EF we conclude that EF is located within the heavy/light hole band. However, the bands are strongly perturbed by disorder and disorder-induced carrier correlations that lead to the Coulomb gap at EF, which we resolve experimentally in a series of samples and show that its depth and width enlarge when the Curie temperature decreases. Furthermore, we have detected surprising linear magnetic dichroism in photoemission spectra of the split-off band. By a quantitative theoretical analysis we demonstrate that it arises from the Dresselhaus-type spin-orbit term in zinc-blende crystals. The spectroscopic access to the magnitude of such asymmetric part of spin-orbit coupling is worthwhile, as they account for spin-orbit torque in spintronic devices of ferromagnets without inversion symmetry.
Influenza A viruses suppress cyclooxygenase-2 expression by affecting its mRNA stability
Authors: Dudek Sabine Eva , Nitzsche Katja , Ludwig Stephan , Ehrhardt Christina
Published: June 2016

Infection with influenza A viruses (IAV) provokes activation of cellular defence mechanisms contributing to the innate immune and inflammatory response. In this process the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in the induction of prostaglandin-dependent inflammation. While it has been reported that COX-2 is induced upon IAV infection, in the present study we observed a down-regulation at later stages of infection suggesting a tight regulation of COX-2 by IAV. Our data indicate the pattern-recognition receptor RIG-I as mediator of the initial IAV-induced COX-2 synthesis. Nonetheless, during on-going IAV replication substantial suppression of COX-2 mRNA and protein synthesis could be detected, accompanied by a decrease in mRNA half-life. Interestingly, COX-2 mRNA stability was not only imbalanced by IAV replication but also by stimulation of cells with viral RNA. Our results reveal tristetraprolin (TTP), which is known to bind COX-2 mRNA and promote its rapid degradation, as regulator of COX-2 expression in IAV infection. During IAV replication and viral RNA accumulation TTP mRNA synthesis was induced, resulting in reduced COX-2 levels. Accordingly, the down-regulation of TTP resulted in increased COX-2 protein expression after IAV infection. These findings indicate a novel IAV-regulated cellular mechanism, contributing to the repression of host defence and therefore facilitating viral replication.
Focused helium-ion beam irradiation effects on electrical transport properties of few-layer WSe2: enabling nanoscale direct write homo-junctions
Authors: Stanford Michael G. , Pudasaini Pushpa Raj , Belianinov Alex , Cross Nicholas , Noh Joo Hyon , Koehler Michael R. , Mandrus David G. , Duscher Gerd , Rondinone Adam J. , Ivanov Ilia N. , Ward T. Zac , Rack Philip D.
Published: June 2016

Atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are currently receiving significant attention due to their promising opto-electronic properties. Tuning optical and electrical properties of mono and few-layer TMDs, such as tungsten diselenide (WSe2), by controlling the defects, is an intriguing opportunity to synthesize next generation two dimensional material opto-electronic devices. Here, we report the effects of focused helium ion beam irradiation on the structural, optical and electrical properties of few-layer WSe2, via high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and electrical transport measurements. By controlling the ion irradiation dose, we selectively introduce precise defects in few-layer WSe2 thereby locally tuning the resistivity and transport properties of the material. Hole transport in the few layer WSe2 is degraded more severely relative to electron transport after helium ion irradiation. Furthermore, by selectively exposing material with the ion beam, we demonstrate a simple yet highly tunable method to create lateral homo-junctions in few layer WSe2 flakes, which constitutes an important advance towards two dimensional opto-electronic devices.
Spirochaetes dominate the microbial community associated with the red coral Corallium rubrum on a broad geographic scale
Authors: van de Water Jeroen A. J. M. , Melkonian Rémy , Junca Howard , Voolstra Christian R. , Reynaud Stéphanie , Allemand Denis , Ferrier-Pagès Christine
Published: June 2016

Mass mortality events in populations of the iconic red coral Corallium rubrum have been related to seawater temperature anomalies that may have triggered microbial disease development. However, very little is known about the bacterial community associated with the red coral. We therefore aimed to provide insight into this species’ bacterial assemblages using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons generated from samples collected at five locations distributed across the western Mediterranean Sea. Twelve bacterial species were found to be consistently associated with the red coral, forming a core microbiome that accounted for 94.6% of the overall bacterial community. This core microbiome was particularly dominated by bacteria of the orders Spirochaetales and Oceanospirillales, in particular the ME2 family. Bacteria belonging to these orders have been implicated in nutrient cycling, including nitrogen, carbon and sulfur. While Oceanospirillales are common symbionts of marine invertebrates, our results identify members of the Spirochaetales as other important dominant symbiotic bacterial associates within Anthozoans.
Nanodisc-cell fusion: control of fusion pore nucleation and lifetimes by SNARE protein transmembrane domains
Authors: Wu Zhenyong , Auclair Sarah M. , Bello Oscar , Vennekate Wensi , Dudzinski Natasha R. , Krishnakumar Shyam S. , Karatekin Erdem
Published: June 2016

The initial, nanometer-sized connection between the plasma membrane and a hormone- or neurotransmitter-filled vesicle –the fusion pore– can flicker open and closed repeatedly before dilating or resealing irreversibly. Pore dynamics determine release and vesicle recycling kinetics, but pore properties are poorly known because biochemically defined single-pore assays are lacking. We isolated single flickering pores connecting v-SNARE-reconstituted nanodiscs to cells ectopically expressing cognate, “flipped” t-SNAREs. Conductance through single, voltage-clamped fusion pores directly reported sub-millisecond pore dynamics. Pore currents fluctuated, transiently returned to baseline multiple times and disappeared ~6 s after initial opening, as if the fusion pore fluctuated in size, flickered and resealed. We found that interactions between v- and t-SNARE transmembrane domains (TMDs) promote, but are not essential for pore nucleation. Surprisingly, TMD modifications designed to disrupt v- and t-SNARE TMD zippering prolonged pore lifetimes dramatically. We propose that the post-fusion geometry of the proteins contribute to pore stability.
Out-of-Sample Extrapolation utilizing Semi-Supervised Manifold Learning (OSE-SSL): Content Based Image Retrieval for Histopathology Images
Authors: Sparks Rachel , Madabhushi Anant
Published: June 2016

Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) retrieves database images most similar to the query image by (1) extracting quantitative image descriptors and (2) calculating similarity between database and query image descriptors. Recently, manifold learning (ML) has been used to perform CBIR in a low dimensional representation of the high dimensional image descriptor space to avoid the curse of dimensionality. ML schemes are computationally expensive, requiring an eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) for every new query image to learn its low dimensional representation. We present out-of-sample extrapolation utilizing semi-supervised ML (OSE-SSL) to learn the low dimensional representation without recomputing the EVD for each query image. OSE-SSL incorporates semantic information, partial class label, into a ML scheme such that the low dimensional representation co-localizes semantically similar images. In the context of prostate histopathology, gland morphology is an integral component of the Gleason score which enables discrimination between prostate cancer aggressiveness. Images are represented by shape features extracted from the prostate gland. CBIR with OSE-SSL for prostate histology obtained from 58 patient studies, yielded an area under the precision recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.53 ± 0.03 comparatively a CBIR with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to learn a low dimensional space yielded an AUPRC of 0.44 ± 0.01.
Reversible Bending Behaviors of Photomechanical Soft Actuators Based on Graphene Nanocomposites
Authors: Niu Dong , Jiang Weitao , Liu Hongzhong , Zhao Tingting , Lei Biao , Li Yonghao , Yin Lei , Shi Yongsheng , Chen Bangdao , Lu Bingheng
Published: June 2016

Photomechanical nanocomposites embedded with light-absorbing nanoparticles show promising applications in photoresponsive actuations. Near infrared (nIR)-responsive nanocomposites based photomechanical soft actuators can offer lightweight functional and underexploited entry into soft robotics, active optics, drug delivery,etc. A novel graphene-based photomechanical soft actuators, constituted by Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/graphene-nanoplatelets (GNPs) layer (PDMS/GNPs) and pristine PDMS layer, have been constructed. Due to the mismatch of coefficient of thermal expansion of two layers induced by dispersion of GNPs, controllable and reversible bendings response to nIR light irradiation are observed. Interestingly, two different bending behaviors are observed when the nIR light comes from different sides,i.e., a gradual single-step photomechanical bending towards PDMS/GNPs layer when irradiation from PDMS side, while a dual-step bending (finally bending to the PDMS/GNPs side but with an strong and fast backlash at the time of light is on/off) when irradiation from PDMS/GNPs side. The two distinctive photomechanical bending behaviors are investigated in terms of heat transfer and thermal expansion, which reveals that the distinctive bending behaviors can be attributed to the differences in temperature gradients along the thickness when irradiation from different sides. In addition, the versatile photomechanical bending properties will provide alternative way for drug-delivery, soft robotics and microswitches,etc.
Smart window coating based on F-TiO2-KxWO3 nanocomposites with heat shielding, ultraviolet isolating, hydrophilic and photocatalytic performance
Authors: Liu Tongyao , Liu Bin , Wang Jing , Yang Linfen , Ma Xinlong , Li Hao , Zhang Yihong , Yin Shu , Sato Tsugio , Sekino Tohru , Wang Yuhua
Published: June 2016

A series of smart window coated multifunctional NIR shielding-photocatalytic films were fabricated successfully through KxWO3and F-TiO2in a low-cost and environmentally friendly process. Based on the synergistic effect of KxWO3and F-TiO2, the optimal proportion of KxWO3to F-TiO2was investigated and the FT/2KWO nanocomposite film exhibited strong near-infrared, ultraviolet light shielding ability, good visible light transmittance, high photocatalytic activity and excellent hydrophilic capacity. This film exhibited better thermal insulation capacity than ITO and higher photocatalytic activity than P25. Meanwhile, the excellent stability of this film was examined by the cycle photocatalytic degradation and thermal insulation experiments. Overall, this work is expected to provide a possibility in integrating KxWO3with F-TiO2, so as to obtain a multifunctional NIR shielding-photocatalytic nanocomposite film in helping solve the energy crisis and deteriorating environmental issues.
Specific threonine-4 phosphorylation and function of RNA polymerase II CTD during M phase progression
Authors: Hintermair Corinna , Voß Kirsten , Forné Ignasi , Heidemann Martin , Flatley Andrew , Kremmer Elisabeth , Imhof Axel , Eick Dirk
Published: June 2016

Dynamic phosphorylation of Tyr1-Ser2-Pro3-Thr4-Ser5-Pro6-Ser7 heptad-repeats in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the large subunit coordinates progression of RNA polymerase (Pol) II through the transcription cycle. Here, we describe an M phase-specific form of Pol II phosphorylated at Thr4, but not at Tyr1, Ser2, Ser5 and Ser7 residues. Thr4 phosphorylated Pol II binds to centrosomes and midbody and interacts with the Thr4-specific Polo-like kinase 1. Binding of Pol II to centrosomes does not require the CTD but may involve subunits of the non-canonical R2TP-Prefoldin-like complex, which bind to and co-localize with Pol II at centrosomes. CTD Thr4 mutants, but not Ser2 and Ser5 mutants, display severe mitosis and cytokinesis defects characterized by multipolar spindles and polyploid cells. We conclude that proper M phase progression of cells requires binding of Pol II to centrosomes to facilitate regulation of mitosis and cytokinesis in a CTD Thr4-P dependent manner.
Identification of potent maturation inhibitors against HIV-1 clade C
Authors: Timilsina Uddhav , Ghimire Dibya , Timalsina Bivek , Nitz Theodore J. , Wild Carl T. , Freed Eric O. , Gaur Ritu
Published: June 2016

Antiretroviral therapy has led to a profound improvement in the clinical care of HIV-infected patients. However, drug tolerability and the evolution of drug resistance have limited treatment options for many patients. Maturation inhibitors are a new class of antiretroviral agents for treatment of HIV-1. They act by interfering with the maturation of the virus by blocking the last step in Gag processing: the cleavage of the capsid-spacer peptide 1 (CA-SP1) intermediate to mature CA by the viral protease (PR). The first-in-class maturation inhibitor bevirimat (BVM) failed against a subset of HIV-1 isolates in clinical trials due to polymorphisms present in the CA-SP1 region of the Gag protein. Sequence analysis indicated that these polymorphisms are more common in non-clade B strains of HIV-1 such as HIV-1 clade C. Indeed, BVM was found to be ineffective against HIV-1 clade C molecular clones tested in this study. A number of BVM analogs were synthesized by chemical modifications at the C-28 position to improve its activity. The new BVM analogs displayed potent activity against HIV-1 clade B and C and also reduced infectivity of the virus. This study identifies novel and broadly active BVM analogs that may ultimately demonstrate efficacy in the clinic.
Clear-cut observation of clearance of sustainable upconverting nanoparticles from lymphatic system of small living mice
Authors: Park Hye Sun , Nam Sang Hwan , Kim Jongwoo , Shin Hyung Seon , Suh Yung Doug , Hong Kwan Soo
Published: June 2016

The significance of lymphatic system has gathered great attention for immunotechnology related to cancer metastasis and immunotherapy. To develop innovative immunodiagnostics and immunotherapy in in vivo environments, it is very important to understand excretion pathways and clearance of injected cargoes. Herein, we employed Tm3+-doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) with versatile advantages suitable for long-term non-invasive in vivo optical imaging and tracking. Transport and retention of the UCNPs in the lymphatic system were evaluated with high-quality NIR-to-NIR upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging. We obtained their kinetic luminescence profiles for the injection site and sentinel lymph node (SLN) and observed luminescence signals for one month; we also examined UCL images in SLN tissues, organs, and faeces at each time point. We speculate that the injected UCNPs in a footpad of a small mouse are transported rapidly from the lymphatic system to the blood system and then eventually result in an efficient excretion by the hepatobiliary route. These results will support development of novel techniques for SLN biopsy as well as immunotechnology.
Self-assembled IR780-loaded transferrin nanoparticles as an imaging, targeting and PDT/PTT agent for cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Kaikai , Zhang Yifan , Wang Juan , Yuan Ahu , Sun Minjie , Wu Jinhui , Hu Yiqiao
Published: June 2016

Combination of photothermal and photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT) offer unique advantages over PDT alone. However, to achieve synergetic PDT/PTT effect, one generally needs two lasers with different wavelengths. Near-infrared dye IR-780 could be used as photosensitizer both for PTT and PDT, but its lipophilicity limits its practical use and in vivo efficiency. Herein, a simple multifunctional IR780-loaded nanoplatform based on transferrin was developed for targeted imaging and phototherapy of cancer compatible with a single-NIR-laser irradiation. The self-assembled transferrin-IR780 nanoparticles (Tf-IR780 NPs) exhibited narrow size distribution, good photo-stability and encouraging photothermal performance with enhanced generation of ROS under laser irradiation. Following intravenous injection, Tf-IR780 NPs had a high tumor-to-background ratio in CT26 tumor-bearing mice. Treatment with Tf-IR780 NPs resulted in significant tumor suppression. Overall, the Tf-IR780 NPs show notable targeting and theranostic potential in cancer therapy.
IVA cloning: A single-tube universal cloning system exploiting bacterial In Vivo Assembly
Authors: García-Nafría Javier , Watson Jake F. , Greger Ingo H.
Published: June 2016

In vivo homologous recombination holds the potential for optimal molecular cloning, however, current strategies require specialised bacterial strains or laborious protocols. Here, we exploit a recA-independent recombination pathway, present in widespread laboratory E.coli strains, to develop IVA (InVivoAssembly) cloning. This system eliminates the need for enzymatic assembly and reduces all molecular cloning procedures to a single-tube, single-step PCR, performed in <2 hours from setup to transformation. Unlike other methods, IVA is a complete system and offers significant advantages over alternative methods for all cloning procedures (insertions, deletions, site-directed mutagenesis and sub-cloning). Significantly, IVA allows unprecedented simplification of complex cloning procedures: five simultaneous modifications of any kind, multi-fragment assembly and library construction are performed in approximately half the time of current protocols, still in a single-step fashion. This system is efficient, seamless and sequence-independent and requires no special kits, enzymes or proprietary bacteria, which will allow its immediate adoption by the academic and industrial molecular biology community.
Impaired interhemispheric synchrony in Parkinson’s disease with depression
Authors: Zhu Yajing , Song Xiaopeng , Xu Mingze , Hu Xiao , Li Erfeng , Liu Jiajia , Yuan Yonggui , Gao Jia-Hong , Liu Weiguo
Published: June 2016

The alterations of interhemispheric resting-state functional connectivity (FC) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) with depression remain unclear, so we aimed to explore the differences of interhemispheric FC between PD with and without depression. Twenty-one depressed PD (DPD) patients, 49 non-depressed PD (NDPD) patients and 50 matched healthy controls (HC) participated in this study. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were analyzed with the voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) approach. The DPD patients showed lower VMHC values in the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and calcarine cortex compared to both NDPD and HC groups and further receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) analyses revealed that the VMHC in these two brain areas could be used as biomarkers to distinguish DPD from NDPD and from HC. The pooled PD patients (both DPD and NDPD) exhibited decreased VMHC in the bilateral putamen, middle occipital gyrus (MOG), postcentral gyrus (PoCG), paracentral lobule (PCL) and cerebellum posterior lobe when compared with HC. Decreased VMHC values within the DLPFC and calcarine cortex appeared to be unique features for DPD and might be used as potential neuroimaging markers to distinguish DPD patients from NDPD and HC groups. These findings may underlie the neural mechanisms of depression in PD.
Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles changes associated with constant heat stress in pigs as measured by bisulfite sequencing
Authors: Hao Yue , Cui Yanjun , Gu Xianhong
Published: June 2016

Heat stress affects muscle development and meat quality in food animals; however, little is known regarding its regulatory mechanisms at the epigenetic level, such as via DNA methylation. In this study, we aimed to compare the DNA methylation profiles between control and heat-stressed pigs to identify candidate genes for skeletal muscle development and meat quality. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing was used to investigate the genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in the longissimus dorsi muscles of the pigs. Both groups showed similar proportions of methylation at CpG sites but exhibited different proportions at non-CpG sites. A total of 57,147 differentially methylated regions were identified between the two groups, which corresponded to 1,422 differentially methylated genes. Gene ontogeny and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that these were mainly involved in energy and lipid metabolism, cellular defense and stress responses and calcium signaling pathways. This study revealed the global DNA methylation pattern of pig muscle between normal and heat stress conditions. The result of this study might contribute to a better understanding of epigenetic regulation in pig muscle development and meat quality.
Solvent-saving approaches for the extraction of siloxanes from pine needles, soils and passive air samplers
Authors: Ramos S. , Silva J. A. , Homem V. , Cincinelli A. , Santos L. , Alves A. , Ratola N.
Published: June 2016

Solvent-saving analytical protocols are a valid alternative to quantify siloxanes in environmental matrices.
Determination of cocaine and its main adulterants in seized drugs from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, by a Doehlert optimized LC-DAD method
Authors: Marcelo M. C. A. , Fiorentin T. R. , Mariotti K. C. , Ortiz R. S. , Limberger R. P. , Ferrão M. F.
Published: June 2016

A liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (LC-DAD) method was developed through Doehlert optimization for analysis of cocaine seized in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Facile synthesis of a 3D MnO2 nanowire/Ni foam electrode for the electrochemical detection of Cu(ii)
Authors: Hao Shiyun , Li Jie , Li Yingchun , Zhang Yinghe , Hu Guosheng
Published: June 2016

MnO2 nanowire arrays grown on Ni foam were successfully synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal approach and then directly applied as the electrode for a heavy metal sensor.
Adsorption of two gas molecules at a single metal site in a metal–organic framework
Authors: Runčevski Tomče , Kapelewski Matthew T. , Torres-Gavosto Rodolfo M. , Tarver Jacob D. , Brown Craig M. , Long Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2016

One strategy to markedly increase the gas storage capacity of metal–organic frameworks is to introduce coordinatively-unsaturated metal centers capable of binding multiple gas molecules.
4-Methylcoumarin-bridged fluorescent responsive cryptand: from [2+2] photodimerization to supramolecular polymer
Authors: Cheng Ming , Yao Chenhao , Cao Yihan , Wang Qi , Pan Yi , Jiang Juli , Wang Leyong
Published: June 2016

A fluorescent responsive BMP32C10-based cryptand host was successfully synthesized by introducing a 4-methylcoumarin group to the third arm of the cryptand.
Enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-Lingzhiol via tandem semipinacol rearrangement/Friedel–Crafts type cyclization
Authors: Chen Dong , Xu Wen-Dan , Liu Hao-Miao , Li Ming-Ming , Yan Yong-Min , Li Xiao-Nian , Li Yan , Cheng Yong-Xian , Qin Hong-Bo
Published: June 2016

Enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-Lingzhiol has been achieved. Tandem semipinacol rearrangement/lactone formation/Friedel–Crafts cyclization/elimination reaction was developed to construct the four-ring core skeleton.
Nature of intramolecular interactions of vitamin C in view of interacting quantum atoms: the role of hydrogen bond cooperativity on geometry
Authors: Ebrahimi Saeid , Dabbagh Hossein A. , Eskandari Kiamars
Published: June 2016

For the intramolecular hydrogen bond interplay in cooperativity, changes of the IQA atomic and interatomic interaction energies of the participant interactions were monitored during the formation of cooperative networks.
The modulation of Schottky barriers of metal–MoS2 contacts via BN–MoS2 heterostructures
Authors: Su Jie , Feng Liping , Zhang Yan , Liu Zhengtang
Published: June 2016

Metal/BN–MoS2 contacts constituted by BN–MoS2 heterostructures show an excellent contact nature compared to traditional metal–MoS2 contacts. This paper proves to be instrumental in the future design of new MoS2-based FETs with ohmic contact or p-type character.
Transition state geometry of driven chemical reactions on time-dependent double-well potentials
Authors: Junginger Andrej , Craven Galen T. , Bartsch Thomas , Revuelta F. , Borondo F. , Benito R. M. , Hernandez Rigoberto
Published: June 2016

The minimum contour in the forward Lagrangian descriptor overlaps the invariant manifold (in green) dividing reactant and product regions.
Super flexibility and stability of graphene nanoribbons under severe twist
Authors: Xia Dan , Li Qiang , Xue Qingzhong , Liang Chunyong , Dong Mingdong
Published: June 2016

The Young's moduli of the GNRs with different aspect ratios decrease with increasing twist loading. However, the Young's moduli of severely twisted GNRs decreased only ∼0.1 TPa compared with the flat ones. The insets are the morphology of the severely twisted GNRs with different aspect ratios.
Dimethyldihydropyrene–cyclophanediene photochromic couple functionalized with terpyridyl metal complexes as multi-addressable redox- and photo-switches
Authors: Bakkar Assil , Cobo Saioa , Lafolet Frédéric , Roldan Diego , Jacquet Margot , Bucher Christophe , Royal Guy , Saint-Aman Eric
Published: June 2016

A series of dimethyldihydropyrene-appended metal complexes has been synthesized and thoroughly characterized using electrochemical and spectroscopic methods.
Azadipyrromethene cyclometalation in neutral RuII complexes: photosensitizers with extended near-infrared absorption for solar energy conversion applications
Authors: Bessette André , Cibian Mihaela , Ferreira Janaina G. , DiMarco Brian N. , Bélanger Francis , Désilets Denis , Meyer Gerald J. , Hanan Garry S.
Published: June 2016

In the on-going quest to harvest near-infrared (NIR) photons for energy conversion applications, a novel family of neutral ruthenium(ii) sensitizers has been developed by cyclometalation of an azadipyrromethene chromophore.
Ceria-supported ruthenium nanoparticles as highly active and long-lived catalysts in hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia borane
Authors: Akbayrak Serdar , Tonbul Yalçın , Özkar Saim
Published: June 2016

Ruthenium(0) nanoparticles supported on ceria (Ru0/CeO2) were in situ generated from the reduction of ruthenium(iii) ions impregnated on ceria during the hydrolysis of ammonia borane.
High-performance fluorescence sensing of lanthanum ions (La3+) by a polydentate pyridyl-based quinoxaline derivative
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Liu Xiu-Ming , Li Huan-Rong , Zhang Ying-Hui , Bu Xian-He
Published: June 2016

A polydentate pyridyl ligand, 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexa(2-pyridyl)-dipyrazino[2,3-f:2′,3′-h] quinoxaline (HPDQ), was found to have excellent light-emitting selectivity to La3+ over many other lanthanide metal ions (Ce3+, Pr3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, Ho3+, Er3+, Tm3+, Yb3+, and Lu3+).
Determination of solubility limit of Sn4+in fluorite structured terbia with simultaneous evaluation of photocatalytic function
Authors: Tripathi Vikash Kumar , Nagarajan Rajamani
Published: June 2016

Although the fluorite structure is highly common among stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric terbia compositions, high pressures are necessary to stabilize SnO2in the fluorite structure.
An anionic zeolite-like metal–organic framework (AZMOF) with a Moravia network for organic dye absorption through cation-exchange
Authors: Shen Yu , Fan Cong-Cong , Wei Yu-Zhen , Du Jie , Zhu Hai-Bin , Zhao Yue
Published: June 2016

We have synthesized a new anionic zeolite-like metal–organic framework (AZMOF) with a twisted partially augmentedthenet, known as the “Moravia” net which is able to selectively adsorb organic cationic dyes (BR, RB, CV and MB) through cation-exchange.
Heterodinuclear Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) Schiff base complexes and their activity in oxygen reduction
Authors: Realista Sara , Ramgi Priscila , Cardoso Bernardo de P. , Melato Ana I. , Viana Ana S. , Calhorda Maria José , Martinho Paulo N.
Published: June 2016

New hetero- and homo-dinuclear Cu/Ni complexes electropolymerise potentiodynamically on glassy carbon electrodes and the polymers reduce dioxygen in water.
Plasmonic photothermic directed broadband sunlight harnessing for seawater catalysis and desalination
Authors: Gao Minmin , Connor Peh Kang Nuo , Ho Ghim Wei
Published: June 2016

Solar thermal collector nanocomposites (SiO2/Ag@TiO2core–shell) that possess efficient photothermic properties for seawater catalysis and desalination.
Anticipatory life-cycle assessment of supercritical fluid synthesis of barium strontium titanate nanoparticles
Authors: Tsang Michael , Philippot Gilles , Aymonier Cyril , Sonnemann Guido
Published: June 2016

The life-cycle impacts of the supercritical fluid synthesis production of barium strontium titanate nanoparticles were assessed at the lab-scale and compared to conventional synthesis methods.
Controlled polymerisation and purification of branched poly(lactic acid) surfactants in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Goddard Amy R. , Pérez-Nieto Sara , Passos Thayse Marques , Quilty Brid , Carmichael Kim , Irvine Derek J. , Howdle Steven M.
Published: June 2016

Supercritical carbon dioxide is exploited to create degradable surfactants from sustainable resources.
Development of cost-effective biodiesel from microalgae using protic ionic liquids
Authors: Chiappe Cinzia , Mezzetta Andrea , Pomelli Christian Silvio , Iaquaniello Gaetano , Gentile Alessio , Masciocchi Barbara
Published: June 2016

This paper reports the use of switchable protic ionic liquids for efficient and sustainable lipids extraction from wet algal biomass.
From waste to value – direct utilization of limonene from orange peel in a biocatalytic cascade reaction towards chiral carvolactone
Authors: Oberleitner N. , Ressmann A. K. , Bica K. , Gärtner P. , Fraaije M. W. , Bornscheuer U. T. , Rudroff F. , Mihovilovic M. D.
Published: June 2016

We investigated the valorisation of limonene containing waste product orange peel, and performed a biocatalytic cascade for the production of chiral carvolactone solely in water.
Making the invisible visible: a microfluidic chip using a low refractive index polymer
Authors: Hanada Yasutaka , Ogawa Tatsuya , Koike Kazuhiko , Sugioka Koji
Published: June 2016

We present the fabrication of 3D CYTOP microfluidic chips which allow exceptionally clear microscopic observations of cell migration at the fluid boundary.
Medicinal organometallic compounds with anti-chagasic activity
Authors: Camarada María Belén , Echeverria Cesar , Ramirez-Tagle Rodrigo
Published: June 2016

Chagas disease (CD) is one of the most important neglected tropical disorders, being a major health concern in Latin America.