bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High expression of Solute Carrier Family 1, member 5 (SLC1A5) is associated with poor prognosis in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yidong , Yang Liu , An Huimin , Chang Yuan , Zhang Weijuan , Zhu Yu , Xu Le , Xu Jiejie
Published: November 2015

Solute Carrier Family 1, member 5 (SLC1A5), also named as ASCT2, a major glutamine transporter, is highly expressed in various malignancies and plays a critical role in the transformation, growth and survival of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance of SLC1A5 in patients with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). SLC1A5 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. Kaplan-Meier method was conducted to compare survival curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were applied to assess the impact of prognostic factors on overall survival (OS). A nomogram was then constructed on the basis of the independent prognosticators identified on multivariate analysis. The predictive ability of the models was compared using Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Our data indicated that high expression of SLC1A5 was significantly associated with advanced TNM stage, higher Fuhrman grade and shorter OS in ccRCC patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed that SLC1A5 was an independent prognosticator for OS. A nomogram integrating SLC1A5 and other independent prognosticators was constructed, which showed a better prognostic value for OS than TNM staging system. In conclusion, high SLC1A5 expression is an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcome in ccRCC patients after surgery.
Sulphur Atoms from Methionines Interacting with Aromatic Residues Are Less Prone to Oxidation
Authors: Aledo Juan C. , Cantón Francisco R. , Veredas Francisco J.
Published: November 2015

Methionine residues exhibit different degrees of susceptibility to oxidation. Although solvent accessibility is a relevant factor, oxidation at particular sites cannot be unequivocally explained by accessibility alone. To explore other possible structural determinants, we assembled different sets of oxidation-sensitive and oxidation-resistant methionines contained in human proteins. Comparisons of the proteins containing oxidized methionines with all proteins in the human proteome led to the conclusion that the former exhibit a significantly higher mean value of methionine content than the latter. Within a given protein, an examination of the sequence surrounding the non-oxidized methionine revealed a preference for neighbouring tyrosine and tryptophan residues, but not for phenylalanine residues. However, because the interaction between sulphur atoms and aromatic residues has been reported to be important for the stabilization of protein structure, we carried out an analysis of the spatial interatomic distances between methionines and aromatic residues, including phenylalanine. The results of these analyses uncovered a new determinant for methionine oxidation: the S-aromatic motif, which decreases the reactivity of the involved sulphur towards oxidants.
Systematic analysis of hematopoietic gene expression profiles for prognostic prediction in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Varn Frederick S. , Andrews Erik H. , Cheng Chao
Published: November 2015

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematopoietic disorder initiated by the leukemogenic transformation of myeloid cells into leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Preexisting gene expression programs in LSCs can be used to assess their transcriptional similarity to hematopoietic cell types. While this relationship has previously been examined on a small scale, an analysis that systematically investigates this relationship throughout the hematopoietic hierarchy has yet to be implemented. We developed an integrative approach to assess the similarity between AML patient tumor profiles and a collection of 232 murine hematopoietic gene expression profiles compiled by the Immunological Genome Project. The resulting lineage similarity scores (LSS) were correlated with patient survival to assess the relationship between hematopoietic similarity and patient prognosis. This analysis demonstrated that patient tumor similarity to immature hematopoietic cell types correlated with poor survival. As a proof of concept, we highlighted one cell type identified by our analysis, the short-term reconstituting stem cell, whose LSSs were significantly correlated with patient prognosis across multiple datasets and showed distinct patterns in patients stratified by traditional clinical variables. Finally, we validated our use of murine profiles by demonstrating similar results when applying our method to human profiles.
Exciton-dominated Dielectric Function of Atomically Thin MoS2 Films
Authors: Yu Yiling , Yu Yifei , Cai Yongqing , Li Wei , Gurarslan Alper , Peelaers Hartwin , Aspnes David E. , Van de Walle Chris G. , Nguyen Nhan V. , Zhang Yong-Wei , Cao Linyou
Published: November 2015

We systematically measure the dielectric function of atomically thin MoS2 films with different layer numbers and demonstrate that excitonic effects play a dominant role in the dielectric function when the films are less than 5–7 layers thick. The dielectric function shows an anomalous dependence on the layer number. It decreases with the layer number increasing when the films are less than 5–7 layers thick but turns to increase with the layer number for thicker films. We show that this is because the excitonic effect is very strong in the thin MoS2 films and its contribution to the dielectric function may dominate over the contribution of the band structure. We also extract the value of layer-dependent exciton binding energy and Bohr radius in the films by fitting the experimental results with an intuitive model. The dominance of excitonic effects is in stark contrast with what reported at conventional materials whose dielectric functions are usually dictated by band structures. The knowledge of the dielectric function may enable capabilities to engineer the light-matter interactions of atomically thin MoS2 films for the development of novel photonic devices, such as metamaterials, waveguides, light absorbers and light emitters.
Experimental Study of the Triplet Synchronization of Coupled Nonidentical Mechanical Metronomes
Authors: Jia Ji , Song Zhiwen , Liu Weiqing , Kurths Jürgen , Xiao Jinghua
Published: November 2015

Triplet synchrony is an interesting state when the phases and the frequencies of three coupled oscillators fulfill the conditions of a triplet locking, whereas every pair of systems remains asynchronous. Experimental observation of triplet synchrony is firstly realized in three coupled nonidentical mechanical metronomes. A more direct method based on the phase diagram is proposed to observe and determine triplet synchronization. Our results show that the stable triplet synchrony is observed in several intervals of the parameter space. Moreover, the experimental results are verified according to the theoretical model of the coupled metronomes. The outcomes are useful to understand the inner regimes of collective dynamics in coupled oscillators.
On the possible cause of distinct El Niño types in the recent decades
Authors: Jadhav Jyoti , Panickal Swapna , Marathe Shamal , Ashok K.
Published: November 2015

Distinct El Niño types have been observed in the recent decades with warm anomalies in the eastern Pacific (Canonical El Niño, EL) and central Pacific (El Niño Modoki, EM). Among these, a basinwide tropical Pacific (TP) warming is seen during 2009 and recently during 2014. We carried out data analysis and numerical simulation experiments to understand the possible cause for different El Niño flavours. The results reveal that the co-evolution of ocean-atmospheric conditions are critically important. Stronger boreal spring (Mar-May) through summer (June-September) westerly wind anomalies (WWA), with relatively stronger ocean pre-conditioning can lead to EL, weaker ocean pre-conditioning and weaker WWA can generate EM, while stronger ocean preconditioning and weaker WWA can lead to basinwide warming pattern. The strength of the WWA is crucial in determining the strength of the ocean dynamic response and the thermocline displacements in the Pacific. The study has important implications for understanding the nature of El Niño in advance.
First Structural View of a Peptide Interacting with the Nucleotide Binding Domain of Heat Shock Protein 90
Authors: Raman Swetha , Singh Meetali , Tatu Utpal , Suguna Kaza
Published: November 2015

The involvement of Hsp90 in progression of diseases like cancer, neurological disorders and several pathogen related conditions is well established. Hsp90, therefore, has emerged as an attractive drug target for many of these diseases. Several small molecule inhibitors of Hsp90, such as geldanamycin derivatives, that display antitumor activity, have been developed and are under clinical trials. However, none of these tested inhibitors or drugs are peptide-based compounds. Here we report the first crystal structure of a peptide bound at the ATP binding site of the N-terminal domain of Hsp90. The peptide makes several specific interactions with the binding site residues, which are comparable to those made by the nucleotide and geldanamycin. A modified peptide was designed based on these interactions. Inhibition of ATPase activity of Hsp90 was observed in the presence of the modified peptide. This study provides an alternative approach and a lead peptide molecule for the rational design of effective inhibitors of Hsp90 function.
Spin splitting in 2D monochalcogenide semiconductors
Authors: Do Dat T. , Mahanti Subhendra D. , Lai Chih Wei
Published: November 2015

We report ab initio calculations of the spin splitting of the uppermost valence band (UVB) and the lowermost conduction band (LCB) in bulk and atomically thin GaS, GaSe, GaTe and InSe. These layered monochalcogenides appear in four major polytypes depending on the stacking order, except for the monoclinic GaTe. Bulk and few-layer ε-and γ -type and odd-number β-type GaS, GaSe and InSe crystals are noncentrosymmetric. The spin splittings of the UVB and the LCB near the Γ-point in the Brillouin zone are finite, but still smaller than those in a zinc-blende semiconductor such as GaAs. On the other hand, the spin splitting is zero in centrosymmetric bulk and even-number few-layer β-type GaS, GaSe and InSe, owing to the constraint of spatial inversion symmetry. By contrast, GaTe exhibits zero spin splitting because it is centrosymmetric down to a single layer. In these monochalcogenide semiconductors, the separation of the non-degenerate conduction and valence bands from adjacent bands results in the suppression of Elliot-Yafet spin relaxation mechanism. Therefore, the electron- and hole-spin relaxation times in these systems with zero or minimal spin splittings are expected to exceed those in GaAs when the D’yakonov-Perel’ spin relaxation mechanism is also suppressed.
True navigation in migrating gulls requires intact olfactory nerves
Authors: Wikelski Martin , Arriero Elena , Gagliardo Anna , Holland Richard A. , Huttunen Markku J. , Juvaste Risto , Mueller Inge , Tertitski Grigori , Thorup Kasper , Wild Martin , Alanko Markku , Bairlein Franz , Cherenkov Alexander , Cameron Alison , Flatz Reinhard , Hannila Juhani , Hüppop Ommo , Kangasniemi Markku , Kranstauber Bart , Penttinen Maija-Liisa , Safi Kamran , Semashko Vladimir , Schmid Heidi , Wistbacka Ralf
Published: November 2015

During migratory journeys, birds may become displaced from their normal migratory route. Experimental evidence has shown that adult birds can correct for such displacements and return to their goal. However, the nature of the cues used by migratory birds to perform long distance navigation is still debated. In this experiment we subjected adult lesser black-backed gulls migrating from their Finnish/Russian breeding grounds (from >60°N) to Africa (to < 5°N) to sensory manipulation, to determine the sensory systems required for navigation. We translocated birds westward (1080 km) or eastward (885 km) to simulate natural navigational challenges. When translocated westwards and outside their migratory corridor birds with olfactory nerve section kept a clear directional preference (southerly) but were unable to compensate for the displacement, while intact birds and gulls with the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve sectioned oriented towards their population-specific migratory corridor. Thus, air-borne olfactory information seems to be important for migrating gulls to navigate successfully in some circumstances.
Wearable Fall Detector using Integrated Sensors and Energy Devices
Authors: Jung Sungmook , Hong Seungki , Kim Jaemin , Lee Sangkyu , Hyeon Taeghwan , Lee Minbaek , Kim Dae-Hyeong
Published: November 2015

Wearable devices have attracted great attentions as next-generation electronic devices. For the comfortable, portable and easy-to-use system platform in wearable electronics, a key requirement is to replace conventional bulky and rigid energy devices into thin and deformable ones accompanying the capability of long-term energy supply. Here, we demonstrate a wearable fall detection system composed of a wristband-type deformable triboelectric generator and lithium ion battery in conjunction with integrated sensors, controllers and wireless units. A stretchable conductive nylon is used as electrodes of the triboelectric generator and the interconnection between battery cells. Ethoxylated polyethylenimine, coated on the surface of the conductive nylon electrode, tunes the work function of a triboelectric generator and maximizes its performance. The electrical energy harvested from the triboelectric generator through human body motions continuously recharges the stretchable battery and prolongs hours of its use. The integrated energy supply system runs the 3-axis accelerometer and related electronics that record human body motions and send the data wirelessly. Upon the unexpected fall occurring, a custom-made software discriminates the fall signal and an emergency alert is immediately sent to an external mobile device. This wearable fall detection system would provide new opportunities in the mobile electronics and wearable healthcare.
Ediacaran Marine Redox Heterogeneity and Early Animal Ecosystems
Authors: Li Chao , Planavsky Noah J. , Shi Wei , Zhang Zihu , Zhou Chuanming , Cheng Meng , Tarhan Lidya G. , Luo Genming , Xie Shucheng
Published: November 2015

Oxygenation has widely been viewed as a major factor driving the emergence and diversification of animals. However, links between early animal evolution and shifts in surface oxygen levels have largely been limited to extrapolation of paleoredox conditions reconstructed from unfossiliferous strata to settings in which contemporaneous fossils were preserved. Herein, we present a multi-proxy paleoredox study of late Ediacaran (ca. 560-551 Ma) shales hosting the Miaohe Konservat-Lagerstätte of South China and, for comparison, equivalent non-fossil-bearing shales at adjacent sections. For the fossiliferous strata at Miaohe there is geochemical evidence for anoxic conditions, but paleontological evidence for at least episodically oxic conditions. An oxygen-stressed environment is consistent with the low diversity and simple morphology of Miaohe Biota macrofossils. However, there is no evidence for euxinic (anoxic and sulphidic) conditions for the fossiliferous strata at Miaohe, in contrast to adjacent unfossiliferous sections. Our results indicate that Ediacaran marine redox chemistry was highly heterogeneous, even at the kilometre-scale. Therefore, our study provides direct—rather than inferred—evidence that anoxia played a role in shaping a landmark Ediacaran ecosystem. If the anoxic conditions characteristic of the studied sections were widespread in the late Neoproterozoic, environmental stress would have hindered the development of complex ecosystems.
Selective distillation phenomenon in two-species Bose-Einstein condensates in open boundary optical lattices
Authors: Bai Xiao-Dong , Zhang Mei , Xiong Jun , Yang Guo-Jian , Deng Fu-Guo
Published: November 2015

We investigate the formation of discrete breathers (DBs) and the dynamics of the mixture of two-species Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) in open boundary optical lattices using the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equations. The results show that the coupling of intra- and interspecies interaction can lead to the existence of pure single-species DBs and symbiotic DBs (i.e., two-species DBs). Furthermore, we find that there is a selective distillation phenomenon in the dynamics of the mixture of two-species BECs. One can selectively distil one species from the mixture of two-species BECs and can even control dominant species fraction by adjusting the intra- and interspecies interaction in optical lattices. Our selective distillation mechanism may find potential application in quantum information storage and quantum information processing based on multi-species atoms.
Modeling gene flow distribution within conventional fields and development of a simplified sampling method to quantify adventitious GM contents in maize
Authors: Melé Enric , Nadal Anna , Messeguer Joaquima , Melé-Messeguer Marina , Palaudelmàs Montserrat , Peñas Gisela , Piferrer Xavier , Capellades Gemma , Serra Joan , Pla Maria
Published: November 2015

Genetically modified (GM) crops have been commercially grown for two decades. GM maize is one of 3 species with the highest acreage and specific events. Many countries established a mandatory labeling of products containing GM material, with thresholds for adventitious presence, to support consumers’ freedom of choice. In consequence, coexistence systems need to be introduced to facilitate commercial culture of GM and non-GM crops in the same agricultural area. On modeling adventitious GM cross-pollination distribution within maize fields, we deduced a simple equation to estimate overall GM contents (%GM) of conventional fields, irrespective of its shape and size and with no previous information on possible GM pollen donor fields. A sampling strategy was designed and experimentally validated in 19 agricultural fields. With 9 samples, %GM quantification requires just one analytical GM determination while identification of the pollen source needs 9 additional analyses. A decision support tool is provided.
p53 dynamics upon response element recognition explored by molecular simulations
Authors: Terakawa Tsuyoshi , Takada Shoji
Published: November 2015

p53 is a representative transcription factor that activates multiple target genes. To realize stimulus-dependent specificities, p53 has to recognize targets with structural variety, of which molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we conducted a series of long-time scale (totally more than 100-ms) coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, uncovering structure and dynamics of full-length p53 tetramer that recognizes its response element (RE). We obtained structures of a full-length p53 tetramer that binds to the RE, which is strikingly different from the structure of p53 at search. These structures are not only consistent with previous low-resolution or partial structural information, but also give access to previously unreachable detail, such as the preferential distribution of intrinsically disordered regions, the contacts between core domains, the DNA bending and the connectivity of linker regions. We also explored how the RE variation affects the structure of the p53-RE complex. Further analysis of simulation trajectories revealed how p53 finds out the RE and how post-translational modifications affect the search mechanism.
Chikungunya nsP2 protease is not a papain-like cysteine protease and the catalytic dyad cysteine is interchangeable with a proximal serine
Authors: Saisawang Chonticha , Saitornuang Sawanan , Sillapee Pornpan , Ubol Sukathida , Smith Duncan R. , Ketterman Albert J.
Published: November 2015

Chikungunya virus is the pathogenic alphavirus that causes chikungunya fever in humans. In the last decade millions of cases have been reported around the world from Africa to Asia to the Americas. The alphavirus nsP2 protein is multifunctional and is considered to be pivotal to viral replication, as the nsP2 protease activity is critical for proteolytic processing of the viral polyprotein during replication. Classically the alphavirus nsP2 protease is thought to be papain-like with the enzyme reaction proceeding through a cysteine/histidine catalytic dyad. We performed structure-function studies on the chikungunya nsP2 protease and show that the enzyme is not papain-like. Characterization of the catalytic dyad cysteine residue enabled us to identify a nearby serine that is catalytically interchangeable with the dyad cysteine residue. The enzyme retains activity upon alanine replacement of either residue but a replacement of both cysteine and serine residues results in no detectable activity. Protein dynamics appears to allow the use of either the cysteine or the serine residue in catalysis. This switchable dyad residue has not been previously reported for alphavirus nsP2 proteases and would have a major impact on the nsP2 protease as an anti-viral target.
Stimulation of autophagy promotes functional recovery in diabetic rats with spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhou Kai-liang , Zhou Yi-fei , Wu Kai , Tian Nai-feng , Wu Yao-sen , Wang Yong-li , Chen De-heng , Zhou Bin , Wang Xiang-yang , Xu Hua-zi , Zhang Xiao-lei
Published: November 2015

In this study we examined the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis in diabetic rats after spinal cord injury (SCI), also we determined the role of autophagy in diabetes-aggravated neurological injury in vivo and in vitro. Our results showed that diabetes decreased the survival of neurons, promoted astrocytes proliferation, increased inflammatory cells infiltration and inhibited functional recovery after SCI. Diabetes was shown to confer increased activation of apoptotic pathways, along with an increase in autophagy; similar effects were also observed in vitro in neuronal PC12 cells. Treatment with rapamycin, an autophagy activator, partially abolished the adverse effect of diabetes, suggesting that diabetes may enhance neurological damage and suppress locomotor recovery after SCI, in addition to its effects on apoptosis and autophagy. In contrast, further stimulation of autophagy improved neurological function via inhibition of apoptosis. These results explained how diabetes exacerbates SCI in cellular level and suggested autophagy stimulation to be a new therapeutic strategy for diabetic SCI.
A model for chromosome organization during the cell cycle in live E. coli
Authors: Liu Yuru , Xie Ping , Wang Pengye , Li Ming , Li Hui , Li Wei , Dou Shuoxing
Published: November 2015

Bacterial chromosomal DNA is a highly compact nucleoid. The organization of this nucleoid is poorly understood due to limitations in the methods used to monitor the complexities of DNA organization in live bacteria. Here, we report that circular plasmid DNA is auto-packaged into a uniform dual-toroidal-spool conformation in response to mechanical stress stemming from sharp bending and un-winding by atomic force microscopic analysis. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon was deduced with basic physical principles to explain the auto-packaging behaviour of circular DNA. Based on our observations and previous studies, we propose a dynamic model of how chromosomal DNA in E. coli may be organized during a cell division cycle. Next, we test the model by monitoring the development of HNS clusters in live E. coli during a cell cycle. The results were in close agreement with the model. Furthermore, the model accommodates a majority of the thus-far-discovered remarkable features of nucleoids in vivo.
Preterm gut microbiota and metabolome following discharge from intensive care
Authors: Stewart Christopher J. , Skeath Tom , Nelson Andrew , Fernstad Sara J. , Marrs Emma C. L. , Perry John D. , Cummings Stephen P. , Berrington Janet E. , Embleton Nicholas D.
Published: November 2015

The development of the preterm gut microbiome is important for immediate and longer-term health following birth. We aimed to determine if modifications to the preterm gut on the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) impacted the gut microbiota and metabolome long-term. Stool samples were collected from 29 infants ages 1–3 years post discharge (PD) from a single NICU. Additional NICU samples were included from 14/29 infants. Being diagnosed with disease or receiving increased antibiotics while on the NICU did not significantly impact the microbiome PD. Significant decreases in common NICU organisms including K. oxytoca and E. faecalis and increases in common adult organisms including Akkermansia sp., Blautia sp. and Bacteroides sp. and significantly different Shannon diversity was shown between NICU and PD samples. The metabolome increased in complexity, but while PD samples had unique bacterial profiles we observed comparable metabolomic profiles. The preterm gut microbiome is able to develop complexity comparable to healthy term infants despite limited environmental exposures, high levels of antibiotic administration and of the presence of serious disease. Further work is needed to establish the direct effect of weaning as a key event in promoting future gut health.
Shape recognition: convexities, concavities and things in between
Authors: Schmidtmann Gunnar , Jennings Ben J. , Kingdom Frederick A. A.
Published: November 2015

Visual objects are effortlessly recognized from their outlines, largely irrespective of viewpoint. Previous studies have drawn different conclusions regarding the importance to shape recognition of specific shape features such as convexities and concavities. However, most studies employed familiar objects, or shapes without curves and did not measure shape recognition across changes in scale and position. We present a novel set of random shapes with well-defined convexities, concavities and inflections (intermediate points), segmented to isolate each feature type. Observers matched the segmented reference shapes to one of two subsequently presented whole-contour shapes (target or distractor) that were re-scaled and re-positioned. For very short segment lengths, performance was significantly higher for convexities than for concavities or intermediate points and for convexities remained constant with increasing segment length. For concavities and intermediate points, performance improved with increasing segment length, reaching convexity performance only for long segments. No significant differences between concavities and intermediates were found. These results show for the first time that closed curvilinear shapes are encoded using the positions of convexities, rather than concavities or intermediate regions. A shape-template model with no free parameters gave an excellent account of the data.
Berry phase mechanism of the anomalous Hall effect in a disordered two-dimensional magnetic semiconductor structure
Authors: Oveshnikov L. N. , Kulbachinskii V. A. , Davydov A. B. , Aronzon B. A. , Rozhansky I. V. , Averkiev N. S. , Kugel K. I. , Tripathi V.
Published: November 2015

The anomalous Hall effect (AHE) arises from the interplay of spin-orbit interactions and ferromagnetic order and is a potentially useful probe of electron spin polarization, especially in nanoscale systems where direct measurement is not feasible. While AHE is rather well-understood in metallic ferromagnets, much less is known about the relevance of different physical mechanisms governing AHE in insulators. As ferromagnetic insulators, but not metals, lend themselves to gate-control of electron spin polarization, understanding AHE in the insulating state is valuable from the point of view of spintronic applications. Among the mechanisms proposed in the literature for AHE in insulators, the one related to a geometric (Berry) phase effect has been elusive in past studies. The recent discovery of quantized AHE in magnetically doped topological insulators - essentially a Berry phase effect - provides strong additional motivation to undertake more careful search for geometric phase effects in AHE in the magnetic semiconductors. Here we report our experiments on the temperature and magnetic field dependences of AHE in insulating, strongly-disordered two-dimensional Mn delta-doped semiconductor heterostructures in the hopping regime. In particular, it is shown that at sufficiently low temperatures, the mechanism of AHE related to the Berry phase is favoured.
Identification of novel autophagic Radix Polygalae fraction by cell membrane chromatography and UHPLC-(Q)TOF-MS for degradation of neurodegenerative disease proteins
Authors: Wu An-Guo , Kam-Wai Wong Vincent , Zeng Wu , Liu Liang , Yuen-Kwan Law Betty
Published: November 2015

With its traditional use in relieving insomnia and anxiety, our previous study has identified onjisaponin B from Radix Polygalae (RP), as a novel autophagic enhancer with potential neuroprotective effects. In current study, we have further identified a novel active fraction from RP, contains 17 major triterpenoid saponins including the onjisaponin B, by the combinational use of cell membrane chromatography (CMC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to (quadrupole) time-of-flight mass spectrometry {UHPLC-(Q)TOF-MS}. By exhibiting more potent autophagic effect in cells, the active fraction enhances the clearance of mutant huntingtin and reduces protein level and aggregation of α-synuclein in a higher extent when compared with onjisaponin B. Here, we have reported for the first time the new application of cell-based CMC and UHPLC-(Q)TOF-MS analysis in identifying new autophagy inducers with neuroprotective effects from Chinese medicinal herb. This result has provided novel insights into the possible pharmacological actions of the active components present in the newly identified active fraction of RP, which may help to improve the efficacy of the traditional way of prescribing RP and also provide new standard for the quality control of decoction of RP or its medicinal products in the future.
The role, mechanism and potentially novel biomarker of microRNA-17-92 cluster in macrosomia
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Liping , Qiuqin Tang  , Wu Wei , Hao Gu  , Lou Liu  , Jie Wu  , Hua Jiang  , Hongjuan Ding  , Xia Yankai , Chen Daozhen , Hu Yali , Wang Xinru
Published: November 2015

Macrosomia is one of the most common perinatal complications of pregnancy and has life-long health implications for the infant. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to regulate placental development, yet the role of miRNAs in macrosomia remains poorly understood. Here we investigated the role of miR-17-92 cluster in macrosomia. The expression levels of five miRNAs in miR-17-92 cluster were significantly elevated in placentas of macrosomia, which may due to the up-regulation of miRNA-processing enzyme Drosha and Dicer. Cell cycle pathway was identified to be the most relevant pathways regulated by miR-17-92 cluster miRNAs. Importantly, miR-17-92 cluster increased proliferation, attenuated cell apoptosis and accelerated cells entering S phase by targeting SMAD4 and RB1 in HTR8/SVneo cells. Furthermore, we found that expression of miR-17-92 cluster in serum had a high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for macrosomia (AUC: 80.53%; sensitivity: 82.61%; specificity: 69.57%). Our results suggested that miR-17-92 cluster contribute to macrosomia development by targeting regulators of cell cycle pathway. Our findings not only provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of macrosomia, but also the clinical value of miR-17-92 cluster as a predictive biomarker for macrosomia.
Structure of the Human Factor VIII C2 Domain in Complex with the 3E6 Inhibitory Antibody
Authors: Wuerth Michelle E. , Cragerud Rebecca K. , Clint Spiegel P.
Published: November 2015

Blood coagulation factor VIII is a glycoprotein cofactor that is essential for the intrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade. Inhibitory antibodies arise either spontaneously or in response to therapeutic infusion of functional factor VIII into hemophilia A patients, many of which are specific to the factor VIII C2 domain. The immune response is largely parsed into “classical” and “non-classical” inhibitory antibodies, which bind to opposing faces cooperatively. In this study, the 2.61 Å resolution structure of the C2 domain in complex with the antigen-binding fragment of the 3E6 classical inhibitory antibody is reported. The binding interface is largely conserved when aligned with the previously determined structure of the C2 domain in complex with two antibodies simultaneously. Further inspection of the B factors for the C2 domain in various X-ray crystal structures indicates that 3E6 antibody binding decreases the thermal motion behavior of surface loops in the C2 domain on the opposing face, thereby suggesting that cooperative antibody binding is a dynamic effect. Understanding the structural nature of the immune response to factor VIII following hemophilia A treatment will help lead to the development of better therapeutic reagents.
A proteomic approach for the rapid, multi-informative and reliable identification of blood
Authors: Patel E. , Cicatiello P. , Deininger L. , Clench M. R. , Marino G. , Giardina P. , Langenburg G. , West A. , Marshall P. , Sears V. , Francese S.
Published: November 2015

Blood evidence is frequently encountered at the scene of violent crimes and can provide valuable intelligence in the forensic investigation of serious offences.
A fast click–slow release strategy towards the HPLC-free synthesis of RNA
Authors: Agustin E. , Asare Okai P. N. , Khan I. , Miller M. R. , Wang R. , Sheng J. , Royzen M.
Published: November 2015

A general strategy for the purification of oligonucleotides synthesized by solid phase synthesis is described.
Monodisperse AuCuSn trimetallic nanocube catalysts
Authors: Patra Biplab K. , Khilari Santimoy , Pradhan Debabrata , Pradhan Narayan
Published: November 2015

Monodisperse trimetallic AuCuSn nanocubes are reported where Sn and Cu are inserted into the crystal lattice following co-precipitation protocols along with Au.
Control of DNA origami inter-tile connection with vertical linkers
Authors: Wang Risheng , Gorday Kent , Nuckolls Colin , Wind Shalom J.
Published: November 2015

A new method that enables high yield assembly along both of the two-dimensional edges of DNA origami tiles by controlling the Mg2+ concentration.
Fluorescent probes for the selective detection of chemical species inside mitochondria
Authors: Xu Zheng , Xu Lin
Published: November 2015

This feature article systematically summarizes the development of fluorescent probes for the selective detection of chemical species inside mitochondria.
Solvent-mediated supramolecular templated assembly of a metal organophosphonate via a crystal–amorphous–crystal transformation
Authors: Narang Shikha , Singh Udai P. , Venugopalan P.
Published: November 2015

Three monophosphonoester-based supramolecular assemblies were synthesized and fully characterized. These complexes showed a reversible crystal–amorphous–crystal transformation with changes in their emission properties.
Oxime synthons in the salts and cocrystals of quinoline-4-carbaldoxime for non-covalent synthesis
Authors: Tarai Arup , Baruah Jubaraj B.
Published: November 2015

Synthons in the cocrystals and salts of quinoline-4-carbaldoxime with acids are discussed.
Dynamic free energy surfaces for sodium diffusion in type II silicon clathrates
Authors: Slingsby J. G. , Rorrer N. A. , Krishna L. , Toberer E. S. , Koh C. A. , Maupin C. M.
Published: November 2015

Earth abundant semiconducting type II Si clathrates have attracted attention as photovoltaic materials due to their wide band gaps.
Hierarchical ZSM-11 zeolite prepared by alkaline treatment with mixed solution of NaOH and CTAB: characterization and application for alkylation of benzene with dimethyl ether
Authors: Liu Hui , Xie Sujuan , Xin Wenjie , Liu Shenglin , Xu Longya
Published: November 2015

The composite effects of NaOH and CTAB regulated the porosity and acidity of ZSM-11 samples, which affected the reaction stability.
Defect stabilized gold atoms on graphene as potential catalysts for ethylene epoxidation: a first-principles investigation
Authors: Liu Xin , Yang Yang , Chu Minmin , Duan Ting , Meng Changgong , Han Yu
Published: November 2015

The defects on graphene make Au atoms active while being monodisperse and superior for ethylene epoxidation.
A self-emulsifying catalytic system for the aqueous biphasic hydroformylation of triglycerides
Authors: Vanbésien T. , Sayede A. , Monflier E. , Hapiot F.
Published: November 2015

The Rh-catalyzed hydroformylation of the CC double bonds of triglycerides (T) was performed in aqueous medium through the formation of supramolecular complexes resulting from the inclusion of the alkenyl chains of T into the cavity of modified cyclodextrins (CDs).
Morphology-controlled MnO2–graphene oxide–diatomaceous earth 3-dimensional (3D) composites for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Wen Zhong Quan , Li Min , Li Fei , Zhu Shi Jin , Liu Xiao Ying , Zhang Yu Xin , Kumeria Tushar , Losic Dusan , Gao Yang , Zhang Wei , He Shi Xuan
Published: November 2015

The nano-hybrid composite materials based on natural diatom silica microparticles, GO sheets (GO–DE nano-hybrid) and MnO2 nanostructures were synthesized for supercapacitors.
Preparation of amphiphilic sorbitan monoethers through hydrogenolysis of sorbitan acetals and evaluation as bio-based surfactants
Authors: Gozlan Charlotte , Deruer Elsa , Duclos Marie-Christine , Molinier Valérie , Aubry Jean-Marie , Redl Andreas , Duguet Nicolas , Lemaire Marc
Published: November 2015

Amphiphilic sorbitan ethers were prepared from sorbitol through hydrogenolysis of the corresponding sorbitan acetals and were evaluated as bio-based surfactants.
Programmable v-type valve for cell and particle manipulation in microfluidic devices
Authors: Rho Hoon Suk , Yang Yoonsun , Hanke Alexander T. , Ottens Marcel , Terstappen Leon W. M. M. , Gardeniers Han
Published: November 2015

A new microfluidic valve or a “v-type valve” which can be flexibly actuated to focus a fluid flow and block a specific area of a microchannel is demonstrated.
Multiplex lateral flow detection and binary encoding enables a molecular colorimetric 7-segment display
Authors: Li Jia , Macdonald Joanne
Published: November 2015

First proof-of-concept generic 7-segment display for a lateral flow biosensor, with exponential multiplexing detection ability via a binary encoding concept.
Synthesis of the AB ring system of clifednamide utilizing Claisen rearrangement and Diels–Alder reaction as key steps
Authors: Loke Inga , Bentzinger Guillaume , Holz Julia , Raja Aruna , Bhasin Aman , Sasse Florenz , Köhn Andreas , Schobert Rainer , Laschat Sabine
Published: November 2015

A synthesis to the functionalized AB ring system of clifednamide, member of macrocyclic tetramic acid lactams, was developed involving an Ireland–Claisen rearrangement and an intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction.
Concise synthesis of rare pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-2-ones and related nitrogen-rich bicyclic scaffolds with a ring-junction nitrogen
Authors: Alanine T. A. , Galloway W. R. J. D. , Bartlett S. , Ciardiello J. J. , McGuire T. M. , Spring D. R.
Published: November 2015

Pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-2-ones and related azabicycles with a ring-junction nitrogen represent attractive structural templates for drug discovery.
Synthesis of 3-substituted isoindolin-1-ones via a tandem desilylation, cross-coupling, hydroamidation sequence under aqueous phase-transfer conditions
Authors: Munoz Socrates B. , Aloia Alexandra N. , Moore Alexander K. , Papp Attila , Mathew Thomas , Fustero Santos , Olah George A. , Surya Prakash G. K.
Published: November 2015

Reports the synthesis of 3-methylene-isoindolin-1-ones 4 under aqueous phase-transfer conditions.
Chemical constituents of the soft corals Sinularia vanderlandi and Sinularia gravis from the coast of Madagascar
Authors: Rahelivao Marie Pascaline , Gruner Margit , Lübken Tilo , Islamov Daut , Kataeva Olga , Andriamanantoanina Hanta , Bauer Ingmar , Knölker Hans-Joachim
Published: November 2015

The Madagascan soft coralsS. vanderlandiandS. gravisprovided five new natural products: vanderlandin (1), gravilin (2), the monoalkylmonoacylglycerol3, the dihomoditerpenoid ketone4, and isodecaryiol (5).
Oxacalix[2]arene[2]triazine based ion-pair transporters
Authors: Wang Xu-Dong , Li Sen , Ao Yu-Fei , Wang Qi-Qiang , Huang Zhi-Tang , Wang De-Xian
Published: November 2015

Heteracalixaromatics are a new generation of macrocyclic hosts showing a unique structure and versatile recognition properties towards various guests.
Direct synthesis of highly stable nitrogen rich carbon dots toward white light emission
Authors: Ganiga Manjunatha , Cyriac Jobin
Published: November 2015

Here we report a single step, rapid synthetic strategy for white light emitting nitrogen rich carbon dots (NCDs) under a range of excitation wavelengths by carbonizing ethylenediamine using P2O5 and water.
A study on the trastuzumab conjugation at tyrosine using diazonium salts
Authors: Griebenow Nils , Greven Simone , Lobell Mario , Dilmaç Alicia M. , Bräse Stefan
Published: November 2015

Herein, we report on the conjugation of trastuzumab with 2,5-difluorobenzene diazonium tetrafluoroborate.
In situ access to fluorescent dual-component polymers towards optoelectronic devices via inhomogeneous biphase frontal polymerization
Authors: Li Qing , Zhang Wan-chao , Wang Cai-Feng , Chen Su
Published: November 2015

Fluorescent dual-component poly(AM-co-NVP) and poly(HEA-co-NVP) polymers used to generate white LEDs were in situ synthesized via laser-ignited inhomogeneous biphase frontal polymerization.
Gram-scale synthesis of high-purity graphene quantum dots with multicolor photoluminescence
Authors: Liu Fuchi , Sun Yuanyuan , Zheng Yongping , Tang Nujiang , Li Ming , Zhong Wei , Du Youwei
Published: November 2015

A gram-scale approach has been developed to prepare highly pure graphene quantum dots (GQDs) from Vulcan XC-72 carbon black refluxed with concentrated nitric acid using a home-built experimental system.
Physical model of threshold switching in NbO2 based memristors
Authors: Slesazeck S. , Mähne H. , Wylezich H. , Wachowiak A. , Radhakrishnan J. , Ascoli A. , Tetzlaff R. , Mikolajick T.
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates the origin of the threshold switching effect in niobium oxide based filamentary switching cells.
The gelation process and protein absorption property of injectable SA-CMBC hydrogel used for procoagulant material
Authors: Yu Qun , Zheng Yudong , Yan Ning , Xie Yajie , Qiao Kun , Jin Rui
Published: November 2015

CMBC showed obvious influence on properties of injectable SA-CMBC hydrogel, containing gelation time, mechanical property, protein absorption and procoagulant property.
Distribution and speciation of heavy metals in two different sludge composite conditioning and deep dewatering processes
Authors: Li Chao , Zhang Shinan , Yang Jiakuan , Shi Yafei , Yu Wenbo , Liang Sha , Song Jian , Xu Qi , Chen Ye , Hu Jingping , Li Ye , Yang Changzhu
Published: November 2015

Pilot-scale sewage sludge dewatering experiments were conducted using two composite conditioners: FeCl3 + lime (Fe-lime) and Fenton's reagents + red mud (Fenton-RM).
Novel modified magnetic nanocomposite for determination of trace amounts of lead ions
Authors: Ghanei-Motlagh M. , Fayazi M. , Taher M. A. , Darezereshki E. , Jamalizadeh E. , Fayazi R.
Published: November 2015

Magnetic solid phase extraction procedure for the determination of Pb(ii) ions.
Thermal conductivity reduction by isoelectronic elements V and Ta for partial substitution of Nb in half-Heusler Nb(1−x)/2V(1−x)/2TaxCoSb
Authors: Huang Lihong , Wang Yumei , Shuai Jing , Zhang Hao , Yang Siqi , Zhang Qinyong , Ren Zhifeng
Published: November 2015

Recently, we found a new n-type thermoelectric half-Heusler NbCoSb with a valence electron count of 19, different from the usual 18.
Modulation of stability and functionality of a phyto-antioxidant by weakly interacting metal ions: curcumin in aqueous solution
Authors: Bagchi Damayanti , Chaudhuri Siddhi , Sardar Samim , Choudhury Susobhan , Polley Nabarun , Lemmens Peter , Pal Samir Kumar
Published: November 2015

Metal exchange process in metallo–curcumin leading to duality in action: enhancement of both aqueous stability and anti-oxidant property.
Facile preparation of highly electrically conductive films of silver nanoparticles finely dispersed in polyisobutylene-b-poly(oxyethylene)-b-polyisobutylene triblock copolymers and graphene oxide hybrid surfactants
Authors: Chiu Chih-Wei , Ou Gang-Bo
Published: November 2015

The melted morphologies revealed that the AgNPs possessed mobility, and melted on the film surface, giving a high electrical conductivity of 5.2 × 10−2 Ω sq−1 when heat-treated at 350 °C.
A smart rhodamine–pyridine conjugate for bioimaging of thiocyanate in living cells
Authors: Mandal Sandip , Sahana Animesh , Banerjee Arnab , Safin Damir A. , Babashkina Maria G. , Robeyns Koen , Verkaart Sjoerd , Hoenderop Joost G. J. , Mitoraj Mariusz P. , Garcia Yann , Das Debasis
Published: November 2015

A rhodamine–pyridine conjugate, REDA-2PC, can selectively monitor NCS− in human embryonic kidney cells 293. Visible light excitable probe allows fluorescence and naked eye detection of nanomolar NCS−.
Formation of unusual dithiaphlorins from condensation of 2,5-bis(arylhydroxymethyl)thiophene and pyrrole
Authors: Sharma Ritambhara , Lee Way-Zen , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: November 2015

A new unprecedented dithiaphlorin macrocycle containing pyrrole and aryl groups at the sp3meso carbon was obtained from the condensation of 2,5-bis(p-arylhydroxymethyl)thiophene and pyrrole under mild acidic conditions.
Jahn–Teller effects in Au25(SR)18
Authors: Tofanelli Marcus A. , Salorinne Kirsi , Ni Thomas W. , Malola Sami , Newell Brian , Phillips Billy , Häkkinen Hannu , Ackerson Christopher J.
Published: November 2015

Jahn–Teller distortions are observed in Au25(SR)18 by single crystal X-ray crystallography. SQUID magnetometry, DFT theory, and linear optical spectroscopy corroborate the finding.
The effect of guanidinium functionalization on the structural properties and anion affinity of polyelectrolyte multilayers
Authors: Cao Zheng , Gordiichuk Pavlo I. , Loos Katja , Sudhölter Ernst J. R. , de Smet Louis C. P. M.
Published: November 2015

Guanidinium-functionalized polyelectrolyte multilayers absorb more H2PO4− compared to other anions and to polyelectrolyte multilayers without guanidinium.
Selectively actuated multi-shape memory effect of a polymer multicomposite
Authors: Li Wenbing , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: November 2015

The multicomposite styrene-based shape memory polymer can be selectively actuated by applying selective stimuli due to the selective heating properties of Fe3O4(30 kHz alternating magnetic field) and CNT (13.56 MHz radiofrequency field) nanofillers. Therefore, the multicomposite possesses a well-controlled multiple temporary shape recovery capability.
Citrate-capped iron oxide nanoparticles impair the osteogenic differentiation potential of rat mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Shrestha Surakshya , Jiang Pengfei , Sousa Marcelo Henrique , Morais Paulo Cesar , Mao Zhengwei , Gao Changyou
Published: November 2015

The cellular uptake of citrate-capped iron oxide nanoparticles can impair the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.
Tailoring the microstructure and charge transport in conjugated polymers by alkyl side-chain engineering
Authors: Fall Sadiara , Biniek Laure , Odarchenko Yaroslav , Anokhin Denis V. , de Tournadre Grégoire , Lévêque Patrick , Leclerc Nicolas , Ivanov Dimitri A. , Simonetti Olivier , Giraudet Louis , Heiser Thomas
Published: November 2015

Transport measurements with in-situ XRD reveal low alkyl side-chain densities to induce an ordered helicoidal conformation with large electronic energy disorder.
Epoxy composites containing cobalt(ii)-porphine anchored multiwalled carbon nanotubes as thin electromagnetic interference shields, adhesives and coatings
Authors: Rohini Rani , K Lasitha , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: November 2015

Herein a facile strategy has been adopted to design epoxy based adhesive/coating materials that can shield electromagnetic radiation.