bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polygenic interactions with environmental adversity in the aetiology of major depressive disorder
Authors: Mullins N. , Power R. A. , Fisher H. L. , Hanscombe K. B. , Euesden J. , Iniesta R. , Levinson D. F. , Weissman M. M. , Potash J. B. , Shi J. , Uher R. , Cohen-Woods S. , Rivera M. , Jones L. , Jones I. , Craddock N. , Owen M. J. , Korszun A. , Craig I. W. , Farmer A. E. , McGuffin P. , Breen G. , Lewis C. M.
Published: November 2015

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and disabling condition with well-established heritability and environmental risk factors. Gene–environment interaction studies in MDD have typically investigated candidate genes, though the disorder is known to be highly polygenic. This study aims to test for interaction between polygenic risk and stressful life events (SLEs) or childhood trauma (CT) in the aetiology of MDD.

Method

The RADIANT UK sample consists of 1605 MDD cases and 1064 controls with SLE data, and a subset of 240 cases and 272 controls with CT data. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) were constructed using results from a mega-analysis on MDD by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. PRS and environmental factors were tested for association with case/control status and for interaction between them.

Results

PRS significantly predicted depression, explaining 1.1% of variance in phenotype (p= 1.9 × 10−6). SLEs and CT were also associated with MDD status (p= 2.19 × 10−4andp= 5.12 × 10−20, respectively). No interactions were found between PRS and SLEs. Significant PRSxCT interactions were found (p= 0.002), but showed an inverse association with MDD status, as cases who experienced more severe CT tended to have a lower PRS than other cases or controls. This relationship between PRS and CT was not observed in independent replication samples.

Conclusions

CT is a strong risk factor for MDD but may have greater effect in individuals with lower genetic liability for the disorder. Including environmental risk along with genetics is important in studying the aetiology of MDD and PRS provide a useful approach to investigating gene–environment interactions in complex traits.
Sex differences in socioemotional functioning, attentional bias, and gray matter volume in maltreated children: A multilevel investigation
Authors: Kelly Philip A. , Viding Essi , Puetz Vanessa B. , Palmer Amy L. , Mechelli Andrea , Pingault Jean-Baptiste , Samuel Sophie , McCrory Eamon J.
Published: November 2015

While maltreatment is known to impact social and emotional functioning, threat processing, and neural structure, the potentially dimorphic influence of sex on these outcomes remains relatively understudied. We investigated sex differences across these domains in a large community sample of children aged 10 to 14 years (n= 122) comprising 62 children with verified maltreatment experience and 60 well-matched nonmaltreated peers. The maltreated group relative to the nonmaltreated comparison group exhibited poorer social and emotional functioning (more peer problems and heightened emotional reactivity). Cognitively, they displayed a pattern of attentional avoidance of threat in a visual dot-probe task. Similar patterns were observed in males and females in these domains. Reduced gray matter volume was found to characterize the maltreated group in the medial orbitofrontal cortex, bilateral middle temporal lobes, and bilateral supramarginal gyrus; sex differences were observed only in the supramarginal gyrus. In addition, a disordinal interaction between maltreatment exposure and sex was found in the postcentral gyrus. Finally, attentional avoidance to threat mediated the relationship between maltreatment and emotional reactivity, and medial orbitofrontal cortex gray matter volume mediated the relationship between maltreatment and peer functioning. Similar mediation patterns were observed across sexes. This study highlights the utility of combining multiple levels of analysis when studying the “latent vulnerability” engendered by childhood maltreatment and yields tentative findings regarding a neural basis of sex differences in long-term outcomes for maltreated children.
Pain in older people with frailty
Authors: Brown Lesley , Young John , Clegg Andrew , Heaven Anne
Published: November 2015

In this review we identified cohort and cross-sectional studies that assessed pain in community-dwelling older people (>65 years) reliably characterized as frail. Secondly, we considered biologically plausible mechanisms that may alter pain perception, or contribute to, or exacerbate pain in an older person with frailty. Thirdly, we considered specific implications of pain management for this group of people. From the limited data from the seven included studies, it would appear that the presence of pain is higher in older people with frailty compared with people characterized as pre-frail or not frail. Thus older people reporting pain are more likely to be frail. However, a lack of prospective data precludes inferences about the direction of the relationship: that is whether pain or frailty is the antecedent. Further research is needed to understand the direction of the relationship, and to identify appropriate pain management strategies for older people with frailty.
Non-pharmacological management of sexual behaviours that challenge in dementia
Authors: Thornton Hazel , Offord Rosslyn
Published: November 2015

A literature search was conducted to identify and evaluate non-pharmacological interventions available for people living with dementia, who present with sexual behaviours that challenge. A lack of research implementing and evaluating clinical interventions was identified, and the search was broadened to include discussion papers relating to sexuality and dementia. This included work both with couples affected by dementia at home, and with staff in institutional care settings. The papers identified come from a range of countries, with wide variation in care settings and practices. Literature suggests sexual behaviours that challenge in dementia are best understood within the broader context of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). There is a consensus highlighting the importance of training staff to recognize the sexual needs of people with dementia and to develop clear policy and guidelines to support staff in managing potential challenges. Few authors attempted to include the perspectives of either care partners or the person with dementia.
Onn-Sums in an Abelian Group
Authors: GAO WEIDONG , GRYNKIEWICZ DAVID J. , XIA XINGWU
Published: November 2015

LetGbe an additive abelian group, letn⩾ 1 be an integer, letSbe a sequence overGof length |S| ⩾n+ 1, and let${\mathsf h}$(S) denote the maximum multiplicity of a term inS. Let Σn(S) denote the set consisting of all elements inGwhich can be expressed as the sum of terms from a subsequence ofShaving lengthn. In this paper, we prove that eitherng∈ Σn(S) for every termginSwhose multiplicity is at least${\mathsf h}$(S) − 1 or |Σn(S)| ⩾ min{n+ 1, |S| −n+ | supp (S)| − 1}, where |supp(S)| denotes the number of distinct terms that occur inS. WhenGis finite cyclic andn= |G|, this confirms a conjecture of Y. O. Hamidoune from 2003.
Creating a safe space: A qualitative inquiry into the way doctors discuss spirituality
Authors: Best Megan , Butow Phyllis , Olver Ian
Published: November 2015

Objective:

Spiritual history taking by physicians is recommended as part of palliative care. Nevertheless, very few studies have explored the way that experienced physicians undertake this task.

Method:

Using grounded theory, semistructured interviews were conducted with 23 physicians who had experience in caring for advanced cancer patients. They were asked to describe the way they discuss spirituality with their patients.

Results:

We have described a delicate, skilled, tailored process whereby physicians create a space in which patients feel safe enough to discuss intimate topics. Six themes were identified: (1) developing the self: physicians describe the need to understand and be secure in one's own spirituality and be comfortable with one's own mortality before being able to discuss spirituality; (2) developing one's attitude: awareness of the importance of spirituality in the life of a patient, and the need to respect each patient's beliefs is a prerequisite; (3) experienced physicians wait for the patient to give them an indication that they are ready to discuss spiritual issues and follow their lead; (4) what makes it easier: spiritual discussion is easier when doctor and patient share spiritual and cultural backgrounds, and the patient needs to be physically comfortable and willing to talk; (5) what makes it harder: experienced physicians know that they will find it difficult to discuss spirituality when they are rushed and when they identify too closely with a patient's struggles; and (6) an important and effective intervention: exploration of patient spirituality improves care and enhances coping.

Significance of results:

A delicate, skilled, tailored process has been described whereby doctors endeavor to create a space in which patients feel sufficiently safe to discuss intimate topics.
Genetic and Environmental Causes of Variation in the Difference Between Biological Age Based on DNA Methylation and Chronological Age for Middle-Aged Women
Authors: Li Shuai , Wong Ee Ming , Joo JiHoon E. , Jung Chol-Hee , Chung Jessica , Apicella Carmel , Stone Jennifer , Dite Gillian S. , Giles Graham G. , Southey Melissa C. , Hopper John L.
Published: November 2015

The disease- and mortality-related difference between biological age based on DNA methylation and chronological age (Δage) has been found to have approximately 40% heritability by assuming that the familial correlation is only explained by additive genetic factors. We calculated two different Δage measures for 132 middle-aged female twin pairs (66 monozygotic and 66 dizygotic twin pairs) and their 215 sisters using DNA methylation data measured by the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip arrays. For each Δage measure, and their combined measure, we estimated the familial correlation for MZ, DZ and sibling pairs using the multivariate normal model for pedigree analysis. We also pooled our estimates with those from a former study to estimate weighted average correlations. For both Δage measures, there was familial correlation that varied across different types of relatives. No evidence of a difference was found between the MZ and DZ pair correlations, or between the DZ and sibling pair correlations. The only difference was between the MZ and sibling pair correlations (p < .01), and there was marginal evidence that the MZ pair correlation was greater than twice the sibling pair correlation (p < .08). For weighted average correlation, there was evidence that the MZ pair correlation was greater than the DZ pair correlation (p < .03), and marginally greater than twice the sibling pair correlation (p < .08). The varied familial correlation of Δage is not explained by additive genetic factors alone, implying the existence of shared non-genetic factors explaining variation in Δage for middle-aged women.
Adaptive und maladaptive Emotionsregulationsstrategien im Jugendalter
Authors: Lange Sarah , Tröster Heinrich
Published: November 2015

Zusammenfassung. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde der Frage nachgegangen, ob sich Jugendliche unterschiedlicher Altersgruppen sowie Mädchen und Jungen in ihrer adaptiven und maladaptiven Regulation negativer Emotionen (Wut, Angst und Trauer) unterscheiden. Dazu wurden Emotionsregulationsstrategien von 843 Mädchen und Jungen zwischen 10 und 18 Jahren anhand des Fragebogens zur Erhebung der Emotionsregulation bei Kindern und Jugendlichen (FEEL-KJ) erfasst. 16- bis 18-Jährige berichteten darüber im Vergleich zu jüngeren Altersgruppen signifikant häufiger maladaptive Wege der Emotionsbewältigung zu nutzen. Mädchen gaben an mehr maladaptive Strategien als Jungen zur Regulierung ihrer Emotionen zu verfolgen. Keine Geschlechts- und Altersgruppeneffekte ergaben sich im Umgang mit Wut, Angst und Trauer bei der adaptiven Emotionsregulation. Unsere Befunde deuten darauf hin, dass vor allem das späte Jugendalter eine vulnerable Phase für eine ungünstige Emotionsregulation ist und Mädchen in ihrer Emotionsregulation gefördert werden sollten.
How Does Acculturation Shape Eating Behavior in Adolescents?
Authors: Steinhilber Amina , Dohnke Birte
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Adolescent Turkish migrants constitute a high-risk group for unhealthy eating. The question stands whether acculturation should be considered a predictor for eating behavior. The present study examined the impact of acculturation by integrating it in the prototype-willingness model (PWM). A sample of adolescent Turkish migrants (N = 155) filled out a questionnaire at two waves. Acculturation, PWM variables, and eating behavior were assessed and analyzed with four structural equation models (unhealthy and healthy models). The augmented PWM accounted for 42.9 % and 37.5 % of eating behavior’s variance at Wave 1 and 2 in the unhealthy model, and for 16.2 % and 19.2 % in the healthy model. Only the reasoned action pathway was significant. Acculturation impacted eating behavior via attitudes and intention. It should be considered as additional model predictor and further target of healthy eating interventions.
Rapidly generating knockout mice from H19-Igf2 engineered androgenetic haploid embryonic stem cells
Authors: Zhang Meili , Liu Yufang , Liu Guang , Li Xin , Jia Yuyan , Sun Lihong , Wang Liu , Zhou Qi , Huang Yue
Published: November 2015

Haploid mammalian embryonic stem cells (ESCs) hold great promise for functional genetic studies and assisted reproduction. Recently, rodent androgenetic haploid ESCs (AG-haESCs) were generated from androgenetic blastocysts and functioned like sperm to produce viable offspring via the intracytoplasmic AG-haESCs injection into oocytes. However, the efficiency of this reproduction was very low. Most pups were growth-retarded and died shortly after birth, which is not practical for producing knockout animals. Further investigation suggested a possible link between the low birthrate and aberrant expression of imprinted genes. Here, we report the high-frequency generation of healthy, fertile mice from H19-Igf2 imprinting-locus modified AG-haESCs, which maintained normal paternal imprinting and pluripotency. Moreover, it is feasible to perform further genetic manipulations in these AG-haESCs. Our study provides a reliable and efficient tool to rapidly produce gene-modified mouse models and will benefit reproductive medicine in the future.
Physiological and genomic characterization of two novel marine thaumarchaeal strains indicates niche differentiation
Authors: Bayer Barbara , Vojvoda Jana , Offre Pierre , Alves Ricardo J E , Elisabeth Nathalie H , Garcia Juan A L , Volland Jean-Marie , Srivastava Abhishek , Schleper Christa , Herndl Gerhard J
Published: November 2015

Ammonia-oxidizing Archaea (AOA) are ubiquitous throughout the oceanic water column; however, our knowledge on their physiological and ecological diversity in different oceanic regions is rather limited. Here, we report the cultivation and characterization of two novel Nitrosopumilus strains, originating from coastal surface waters of the Northern Adriatic Sea. The combined physiological and genomic information revealed that each strain exhibits different metabolic and functional traits, potentially reflecting contrasting life modes. Strain NF5 contains many chemotaxis-related genes and is able to express archaella, suggesting that it can sense and actively seek favorable microenvironments such as nutrient-rich particles. In contrast, strain D3C is non-motile and shows higher versatility in substrate utilization, being able to use urea as an alternative substrate in addition to ammonia. Furthermore, it encodes a divergent, second copy of the AmoB subunit of the key enzyme ammonia monooxygenase, which might have an additional catalytic function and suggests further metabolic versatility. However, the role of this gene requires further investigation. Our results provide evidence for functional diversity and metabolic versatility among phylogenetically closely related thaumarchaeal strains, and point toward adaptations to free-living versus particle-associated life styles and possible niche differentiation among AOA in marine ecosystems.
Correction: Corrigendum: Circadian control of bile acid synthesis by a KLF15-Fgf15 axis
Authors: Han Shuxin , Zhang Rongli , Jain Rajan , Shi Hong , Zhang Lilei , Zhou Guangjin , Sangwung Panjamaporn , Tugal Derin , Atkins G. Brandon , Prosdocimo Domenick A. , Lu Yuan , Han Xiaonan , Tso Patrick , Liao Xudong , Epstein Jonathan A. , Jain Mukesh K.
Published: November 2015

Nature Communications 6: Article number: 7231 (2015); Published: 4 June 2015; Updated: 27 August 2015. The original version of this Article incorrectly named the author Shuxin Han as Sean Han. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Antiperovskite Chalco-Halides Ba3(FeS4)Cl, Ba3(FeS4)Br and Ba3(FeSe4)Br with Spin Super-Super Exchange
Authors: Zhang Xian , Liu Kai , He Jian-Qiao , Wu Hui , Huang Qing-Zhen , Lin Jian-Hua , Lu Zhong-Yi , Huang Fu-Qiang
Published: November 2015

Perovskite-related materials have received increasing attention for their broad applications in photovoltaic solar cells and information technology due to their unique electrical and magnetic properties. Here we report three new antiperovskite chalco-halides: Ba3(FeS4)Cl, Ba3(FeS4)Br and Ba3(FeSe4)Br. All of them were found to be good solar light absorbers. Remarkably, although the shortest Fe-Fe distance exceeds 6 Å, an unexpected anti-ferromagnetic phase transition near 100 K was observed in their magnetic susceptibility measurement. The corresponding complex magnetic structures were resolved by neutron diffraction experiments as well as investigated by first-principles electronic structure calculations. The spin-spin coupling between two neighboring Fe atoms along the b axis, which is realized by the Fe-S···S-Fe super-super exchange mechanism, was found to be responsible for this magnetic phase transition.
Measuring empathy for human and robot hand pain using electroencephalography
Authors: Suzuki Yutaka , Galli Lisa , Ikeda Ayaka , Itakura Shoji , Kitazaki Michiteru
Published: November 2015

This study provides the first physiological evidence of humans’ ability to empathize with robot pain and highlights the difference in empathy for humans and robots. We performed electroencephalography in 15 healthy adults who observed either human- or robot-hand pictures in painful or non-painful situations such as a finger cut by a knife. We found that the descending phase of the P3 component was larger for the painful stimuli than the non-painful stimuli, regardless of whether the hand belonged to a human or robot. In contrast, the ascending phase of the P3 component at the frontal-central electrodes was increased by painful human stimuli but not painful robot stimuli, though the interaction of ANOVA was not significant, but marginal. These results suggest that we empathize with humanoid robots in late top-down processing similarly to human others. However, the beginning of the top-down process of empathy is weaker for robots than for humans.
Tuning the Reactivity of Radical through a Triplet Diradical Cu(II) Intermediate in Radical Oxidative Cross-Coupling
Authors: Zhou Liangliang , Yi Hong , Zhu Lei , Qi Xiaotian , Jiang Hanpeng , Liu Chao , Feng Yuqi , Lan Yu , Lei Aiwen
Published: November 2015

Highly selective radical/radical cross-coupling is paid more attention in bond formations. However, due to their intrinsic active properties, radical species are apt to achieve homo-coupling instead of cross-coupling, which makes the selective cross-coupling as a great challenge and almost untouched. Herein a notable strategy to accomplish direct radical/radical oxidative cross-coupling has been demonstrated, that is metal tuning a transient radical to a persistent radical intermediate followed by coupling with another transient radical. Here, a transient nitrogen-centered radical is tuned to a persistent radical complex by copper catalyst, followed by coupling with a transient allylic carbon-centered radical. Firstly, nitrogen-centered radical generated from N-methoxybenzamide stabilized by copper catalyst was successfully observed by EPR. Then DFT calculations revealed that a triplet diradical Cu(II) complex formed from the chelation N-methoxybenzamide nitrogen-centered radical to Cu(II) is a persistent radical species. Moreover, conceivable nitrogen-centered radical Cu(II) complex was observed by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Ultimately, various allylic amides derivatives were obtained in good yields by adopting this strategy, which might inspire a novel and promising landscape in radical chemistry.
Optical fiber tip templating using direct focused ion beam milling
Authors: Micco A. , Ricciardi A. , Pisco M. , La Ferrara V. , Cusano A.
Published: November 2015

We report on a method for integrating sub-wavelength resonant structures on top of optical fiber tip. Our fabrication technique is based on direct milling of the glass on the fiber facet by means of focused ion beam. The patterned fiber tip acts as a structured template for successive depositions of any responsive or functional overlay. The proposed method is validated by depositing on the patterned fiber a high refractive index material layer, to obtain a ‘double-layer’ photonic crystal slab supporting guided resonances, appearing as peaks in the reflection spectrum. Morphological and optical characterizations are performed to investigate the effects of the fabrication process. Our results show how undesired effects, intrinsic to the fabrication procedure should be taken into account in order to guarantee a successful development of the device. Moreover, to demonstrate the flexibility of our approach and the possibility to engineering the resonances, a thin layer of gold is also deposited on the fiber tip, giving rise to a hybrid photonic-plasmonic structure with a complementary spectral response and different optical field distribution at the resonant wavelengths. Overall, this work represents a significant step forward the consolidation of Lab-on-Fiber Technology.
CD11b deficiency suppresses intestinal tumor growth by reducing myeloid cell recruitment
Authors: Zhang Qian-Qian , Hu Xi-Wen , Liu Yi-Long , Ye Zhi-Jin , Gui Yi-He , Zhou Da-Lei , Qi Cui-Ling , He Xiao-Dong , Wang Honglin , Wang Li-Jing
Published: November 2015

Mac-1 (CD11b) is expressed on bone marrow-derived immune cells. CD11b binds to ligands to regulate leukocyte adhesion and migration across the endothelium or epithelium. Here, we employed CD11b knockout mice and an ApcMin/+ spontaneous intestinal adenoma mouse model to clarify the function of CD11b in intestinal tumorigenesis. We showed that CD11b deficiency may contribute to the inhibition of myeloid cell trafficking to the tumor microenvironment and inactivated Wnt/β-catenin pathway to suppress tumor growth. This effect was partly mediated by inhibiting the myeloid cell-mediated decrease in TNF-α secretion, which inhibits the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells to the tumor microenvironment and subsequently induces IFN-γ and CXCL9 production. This work provides evidence for the mechanism by which CD11b may function as an important oncogene and highlights the potential of CD11b as a therapeutic target in CRC.
Diallyl disulfide attenuated carbon ion irradiation-induced apoptosis in mouse testis through changing the ratio of Tap73/ΔNp73 via mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Di Cui-xia , Han Lu , Zhang Hong , Xu Shuai , Mao Ai-hong , Sun Chao , Liu Yang , Si Jing , Li Hong-yan , Zhou Xin , Liu Bing , Miao Guo-ying
Published: November 2015

Diallyl disulfide (DADS), a major organosulfur compound derived from garlic, has various biological properties, including anti-cancer effects. However, the protective mechanism of DADS against radiation-induced mouse testis cell apoptosis has not been elucidated. In this study, the magnitude of radiation effects evoked by carbon ion irradiation was marked by morphology changes, significant rise in apoptotic cells, activation expression of p53, up regulation the ratio of pro-apoptotic Tap73/anti-apoptotic ΔNp73, as well as alterations of crucial mediator of the mitochondrial pathway. Interestingly, pretreatment with DADS attenuated carbon ion irradiation-induced morphology damages and apoptotic cells. Additionally, DADS elevated radiation-induced p53 and p21 expression, suggesting that p53 might be involved in the inhibition of cell cycle progression through up regulation of p21. Furthermore, administration with DADS prevented radiation-induced Tap73/ΔNp73 expression and consequently down regulated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, cytochrome c release and caspase-3 expression, indicating that the balance between Tap73 and ΔNp73 had potential to activate p53 responsive genes. Thus, our results showed that radio protection effect of DADS on mouse testis is mediated by blocking apoptosis through changing the ratio of Tap73/ΔNp73 via mitochondrial pathway, suggesting that DADS could be used as a potential radio protection agent for the testis against heavy-ion radiation.
The Plasmodium palmitoyl-S-acyl-transferase DHHC2 is essential for ookinete morphogenesis and malaria transmission
Authors: Santos Jorge M. , Kehrer Jessica , Franke-Fayard Blandine , Frischknecht Friedrich , Janse Chris J. , Mair Gunnar R.
Published: November 2015

The post-translational addition of C-16 long chain fatty acids to protein cysteine residues is catalysed by palmitoyl-S-acyl-transferases (PAT) and affects the affinity of a modified protein for membranes and therefore its subcellular localisation. In apicomplexan parasites this reversible protein modification regulates numerous biological processes and specifically affects cell motility and invasion of host cells by Plasmodium falciparum merozoites and Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. Using inhibitor studies we show here that palmitoylation is key to transformation of zygotes into ookinetes during initial mosquito infection with P. berghei. We identify DHHC2 as a unique PAT mediating ookinete formation and morphogenesis. Essential for life cycle progression in asexual blood stage parasites and thus refractory to gene deletion analyses, we used promoter swap (ps) methodology to maintain dhhc2 expression in asexual blood stages but down regulate expression in sexual stage parasites and during post-fertilization development of the zygote. The ps mutant showed normal gamete formation, fertilisation and DNA replication to tetraploid cells, but was characterised by a complete block in post-fertilisation development and ookinete formation. Our report highlights the crucial nature of the DHHC2 palmitoyl-S-acyltransferase for transmission of the malaria parasite to the mosquito vector through its essential role for ookinete morphogenesis.
Crude oil as a microbial seed bank with unexpected functional potentials
Authors: Cai Man , Nie Yong , Chi Chang-Qiao , Tang Yue-Qin , Li Yan , Wang Xing-Biao , Liu Ze-Shen , Yang Yunfeng , Zhou Jizhong , Wu Xiao-Lei
Published: November 2015

It was widely believed that oil is a harsh habitat for microbes because of its high toxicity and hydrophobicity. However, accumulating evidence has revealed the presence of live microbes in crude oil. Therefore, it’s of value to conduct an in-depth investigation on microbial communities in crude oil. To this end, microorganisms in oil and water phases were collected from four oil-well production mixtures in Qinghai Oilfield, China and analyzed for their taxonomic and functional compositions via pyrosequencing and GeoChip, respectively. Hierarchical clustering of 16S rRNA gene sequences and functional genes clearly separated crude oil and water phases, suggestive of distinct taxonomic and functional gene compositions between crude oil and water phases. Unexpectedly,Pseudomonasdominated oil phase where diverse functional gene groups were identified, which significantly differed from those in the corresponding water phases. Meanwhile, most functional genes were significantly more abundant in oil phase, which was consistent with their important roles in facilitating survival of their host organisms in crude oil. These findings provide strong evidence that crude oil could be a “seed bank” of functional microorganisms with rich functional potentials. This offers novel insights for industrial applications of microbial-enhanced oil recovery and bioremediation of petroleum-polluted environments.
3D tracking of single nanoparticles and quantum dots in living cells by out-of-focus imaging with diffraction pattern recognition
Authors: Gardini Lucia , Capitanio Marco , Pavone Francesco S.
Published: November 2015

Live cells are three-dimensional environments where biological molecules move to find their targets and accomplish their functions. However, up to now, most single molecule investigations have been limited to bi-dimensional studies owing to the complexity of 3d-tracking techniques. Here, we present a novel method for three-dimensional localization of single nano-emitters based on automatic recognition of out-of-focus diffraction patterns. Our technique can be applied to track the movements of single molecules in living cells using a conventional epifluorescence microscope. We first demonstrate three-dimensional localization of fluorescent nanobeads over 4 microns depth with accuracy below 2 nm in vitro. Remarkably, we also establish three-dimensional tracking of Quantum Dots, overcoming their anisotropic emission, by adopting a ligation strategy that allows rotational freedom of the emitter combined with proper pattern recognition. We localize commercially available Quantum Dots in living cells with accuracy better than 7 nm over 2 microns depth. We validate our technique by tracking the three-dimensional movements of single protein-conjugated Quantum Dots in living cell. Moreover, we find that important localization errors can occur in off-focus imaging when improperly calibrated and we give indications to avoid them. Finally, we share a Matlab script that allows readily application of our technique by other laboratories.
Comparison between Ultrasound Guided Transperineal and Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: A Prospective, Randomized and Controlled Trial
Authors: Guo Le-Hang , Wu Rong , Xu Hui-Xiong , Xu Jun-Mei , Wu Jian , Wang Shuai , Bo Xiao-Wan , Liu Bo-Ji
Published: November 2015

This prospective study of comparing transperineal prostate biopsy (TPBx) with transrectal prostate biopsy (TRBx) was aimed to provide evidence for clinicians to select the appropriate biopsy approach under different conditions. TPBx (n = 173) and TRBx (n = 166) were performed randomly for 339 patients who were suspicious of prostate cancer (PCa). The cancer detection rate (CDR), complication rate, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, most painful procedure, number of repeated biopsy and additional anesthesia and operating time (starting from lying down on the operating table to getting up) were recorded. The results showed that TPBx and TRBx were equivalent in CDR (35.3% vs. 31.9%) and minor complication rate (44.9% vs. 41.0%) (both P > 0.05). The major complication rate was lower in TPBx than in TRBx (0.6% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.05). TPBx was more time-consuming (17.51 ± 3.33 min vs. 14.73 ± 3.25 min) and painful (VAS score: 4.0 vs. 2.0); and it had higher rates of repeated biopsy (3.2% vs. 1.1%) and additional anesthesia (15.0% vs. 1.2%) (all P < 0.05). In summary, both TPBx and TRBx are effective to detect PCa. The major complication rate for TRBx is higher, whereas TPBx procedure is more complex and painful.
Characterising the bacterial microbiota across the gastrointestinal tracts of dairy cattle: membership and potential function
Authors: Mao Shengyong , Zhang Mengling , Liu Junhua , Zhu Weiyun
Published: November 2015

The bacterial community composition and function in the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of dairy cattle is very important, since it can influence milk production and host health. However, our understanding of bacterial communities in the GITs of dairy cattle is still very limited. This study analysed bacterial communities in ten distinct GIT sites (the digesta and mucosa of the rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon and rectum) in six dairy cattle. The study observed 542 genera belonging to 23 phyla distributed throughout the cattle GITs, with the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria predominating. In addition, data revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in composition, diversity and species abundance distributions of GIT microbiota. Furthermore, the study inferred significant differences in the predicted metagenomic profiles among GIT regions. In particular, the relative abundances of the genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism were overrepresented in the digesta samples of forestomaches and the genes related to amino acid metabolism were mainly enriched in the mucosal samples. In general, this study provides the first deep insights into the composition of GIT microbiota in dairy cattle and it may serve as a foundation for future studies in this area.
Dual subcellular compartment delivery of doxorubicin to overcome drug resistant and enhance antitumor activity
Authors: Song Yan-feng , Liu Dao-zhou , Cheng Ying , Liu Miao , Ye Wei-liang , Zhang Bang-le , Liu Xin-you , Zhou Si-yuan
Published: November 2015

In order to overcome drug resistant and enhance antitumor activity of DOX, a new pH-sensitive micelle (DOX/DQA-DOX@DSPE-hyd-PEG-AA) was prepared to simultaneously deliver DOX to nucleus and mitochondria. Drug released from DOX/DQA-DOX@DSPE-hyd-PEG-AA showed a pH-dependent manner. DOX/DQA-DOX@DSPE-hyd-PEG-AA induced the depolarization of mitochondria and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231/ADR cells and A549 cells, which resulted in the high cytotoxicity of DOX/DQA-DOX@DSPE-hyd-PEG-AA against MDA-MB-231/ADR cells and A549 cells. Confocal microscopy confirmed that DOX/DQA-DOX@DSPE-hyd-PEG-AA simultaneously delivered DQA-DOX and DOX to the mitochondria and nucleus of tumor cell. After DOX/DQA-DOX@DSPE-hyd-PEG-AA was injected to the tumor-bearing nude mice by the tail vein, DOX was mainly found in tumor tissue. But DOX was widely distributed in the whole body after the administration of free DOX. Compared with free DOX, the same dose of DOX/DQA-DOX@DSPE-hyd-PEG-AA significantly inhibited the growth of DOX-resistant tumor in tumor-bearing mice without obvious systemic toxicity. Therefore, dual subcellular compartment delivery of DOX greatly enhanced the antitumor activity of DOX on DOX-resistant tumor. DOX/DQA-DOX@DSPE-hyd-PEG-AA has the potential in target therapy for DOX-resistant tumor.
Double-twist cylinders in liquid crystalline cholesteric blue phases observed by transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Tanaka Shu , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Kawata Yuto , Kuwahara Ryusuke , Nishi Ryuji , Ozaki Masanori
Published: November 2015

Cholesteric blue phases are liquid crystalline phases in which the constituent rod-like molecules spontaneously form three-dimensional, helical structures. Despite theoretical predictions that they are composed of cylindrical substructures within which the liquid crystal molecules are doubly twisted, real space observation of the arrangement of such structures had not been performed. Through transmission electron microscopy of photopolymerized blue phases with controlled lattice plane orientations, we report real space observation and comparison of the lattice structures of blue phases I and II. The two systems show distinctly different contrasts, reflecting the theoretically predicted, body centred and simple cubic arrangement of the double-twist cylinders. Transmission electron microscopy also reveals different tendencies of the two blue phases to align on unidirectionally rubbed surfaces. We thus show that TEM observation of alignment-controlled, photopolymerized liquid crystals can be a powerful tool to investigate complex liquid crystalline order.
Human corneal stromal stem cells support limbal epithelial cells cultured on RAFT tissue equivalents
Authors: Kureshi Alvena K , Dziasko Marc , Funderburgh James L , Daniels Julie T
Published: November 2015

Human limbal epithelial cells (HLE) and corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) reside in close proximity in vivo in the corneal limbal stem cell niche. However, HLE are typically cultured in vitro without supporting niche cells. Here, we re-create the cell-cell juxtaposition of the native environment in vitro, to provide a tool for investigation of epithelial-stromal cell interactions and to optimize HLE culture conditions for potential therapeutic application. RAFT (Real Architecture For 3D Tissue) tissue equivalents (TEs) were used as a 3-dimensional substrate for co-culturing HLE and CSSC. Our results demonstrate that a monolayer of HLE that maintained expression of p63α, ABCB5, CK8 and CK15 (HLE markers), formed on the surface of RAFT TEs within 13 days of culture. CSSC remained in close proximity to HLE and maintained expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers. This simple technique has a short preparation time of only 15 days with the onset of HLE layering and differentiation observed. Furthermore, co-cultivation of HLE with another niche cell type (CSSC) directly on RAFT TEs, eliminates the requirement for animal-derived feeder cells. RAFT TEs may be useful for future therapeutic delivery of multiple cell types to restore the limbal niche following ocular surface injury or disease.
Motivation and value influences in the relative balance of goal-directed and habitual behaviours in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Voon V , Baek K , Enander J , Worbe Y , Morris L S , Harrison N A , Robbins T W , Rück C , Daw N
Published: November 2015

Our decisions are based on parallel and competing systems of goal-directed and habitual learning, systems which can be impaired in pathological behaviours. Here we focus on the influence of motivation and compare reward and loss outcomes in subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) on model-based goal-directed and model-free habitual behaviours using the two-step task. We further investigate the relationship with acquisition learning using a one-step probabilistic learning task. Forty-eight OCD subjects and 96 healthy volunteers were tested on a reward and 30 OCD subjects and 53 healthy volunteers on the loss version of the two-step task. Thirty-six OCD subjects and 72 healthy volunteers were also tested on a one-step reversal task. OCD subjects compared with healthy volunteers were less goal oriented (model-based) and more habitual (model-free) to reward outcomes with a shift towards greater model-based and lower habitual choices to loss outcomes. OCD subjects also had enhanced acquisition learning to loss outcomes on the one-step task, which correlated with goal-directed learning in the two-step task. OCD subjects had greater stay behaviours or perseveration in the one-step task irrespective of outcome. Compulsion severity was correlated with habitual learning in the reward condition. Obsession severity was correlated with greater switching after loss outcomes. In healthy volunteers, we further show that greater reward magnitudes are associated with a shift towards greater goal-directed learning further emphasizing the role of outcome salience. Our results highlight an important influence of motivation on learning processes in OCD and suggest that distinct clinical strategies based on valence may be warranted.
Neuroplasticity-dependent and -independent mechanisms of chronic deep brain stimulation in stressed rats
Authors: Bambico F R , Bregman T , Diwan M , Li J , Darvish-Ghane S , Li Z , Laver B , Amorim B O , Covolan L , Nobrega J N , Hamani C
Published: November 2015

Chronic ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) deep brain stimulation (DBS) improves depressive-like behaviour in rats via serotonergic and neurotrophic-related mechanisms. We hypothesise that, in addition to these substrates, DBS-induced increases in hippocampal neurogenesis may also be involved. Our results show that stress-induced behavioural deficits in the sucrose preference test, forced swim test, novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT) and elevated plus maze were countered by chronic vmPFC DBS. In addition, stressed rats receiving stimulation had significant increases in hippocampal neurogenesis, PFC and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. To block neurogenesis, stressed animals given DBS were injected with temozolomide. Such treatment reversed the anxiolytic-like effect of stimulation in the NSFT without significantly affecting performance in other behavioural tests. Taken together, our findings suggest that neuroplastic changes, including neurogenesis, may be involved in specific anxiolytic effects of DBS without affecting its general antidepressant-like response.
A requirement of serotonergic p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase for peripheral immune system activation of CNS serotonin uptake and serotonin-linked behaviors
Authors: Baganz N L , Lindler K M , Zhu C B , Smith J T , Robson M J , Iwamoto H , Deneris E S , Hewlett W A , Blakely R D
Published: November 2015

Alterations in central serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) neurotransmission and peripheral immune activation have been linked to multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, schizophrenia and autism. The antidepressant-sensitive 5-HT transporter (SERT, SLC6A4), a critical determinant of synaptic 5-HT inactivation, can be regulated by pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling. Systemic innate immune system activation via intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection rapidly elevates brain SERT activity and 5-HT clearance. Moreover, the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β rapidly stimulates SERT activity in raphe nerve terminal preparations ex vivo, effects that are attenuated by pharmacological p38 MAPK inhibition. To establish a role of serotonergic p38α MAPK signaling in LPS/IL-1β-induced SERT regulation and attendant behavioral responses, we pursued studies in mice that afford conditional elimination of p38α MAPK in 5-HT neurons (p38α5HT−). We found p38α5HT− and control (p38α5HT+) littermates to be indistinguishable in viability and growth and to express equivalent levels of SERT protein and synaptosomal 5-HT transport activity. Consistent with pharmacological studies, however, IL-1β fails to increase SERT activity in midbrain synaptosomes prepared from p38α5HT− animals. Moreover, although LPS elevated plasma corticosterone and central/peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokines in p38α5HT− animals, elevations in midbrain SERT activity were absent nor were changes in depressive and anxiety-like behaviors observed. Our studies support an obligate role of p38α MAPK signaling in 5-HT neurons for the translation of immune activation to SERT regulation and 5-HT-modulated behaviors.
Azobenzenes and catalysis
Authors: Léonard Estelle , Mangin Floriane , Villette Carole , Billamboz Muriel , Len Christophe
Published: November 2015

Azobenzene is the most extensively used class of chromophore in a large variety of applications.
Considering the chemical energy requirements of the tri-n-propylamine co-reactant pathways for the judicious design of new electrogenerated chemiluminescence detection systems
Authors: Kerr Emily , Doeven Egan H. , Wilson David J. D. , Hogan Conor F. , Francis Paul S.
Published: November 2015

A simple graphical approach to characterise the energetically feasible electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) reaction pathways with tri-n-propylamine is discussed.
Design, fabrication and test of a pneumatically controlled, renewable, microfluidic bead trapping device for sequential injection analysis applications
Authors: Shao Guocheng , Lu Donglai , Fu Zhifeng , Du Dan , Ozanich Richard M. , Wang Wanjun , Lin Yuehe
Published: November 2015

This paper describes the design, fabrication, and testing of a pneumatically controlled, renewable, microfluidic device for conducting bead-based assays in an automated sequential injection analysis system.
In vitro biophysical, microspectroscopic and cytotoxic evaluation of metastatic and non-metastatic cancer cells in responses to anti-cancer drug
Authors: Li Qifei , Xiao Lifu , Harihar Sitaram , Welch Danny R. , Vargis Elizabeth , Zhou Anhong
Published: November 2015

Breast cancer cells with or without BRMS1 in response to doxorubicin (DOX).
Aluminium foil as a potential substrate for ATR-FTIR, transflection FTIR or Raman spectrochemical analysis of biological specimens
Authors: Cui Li , Butler Holly J. , Martin-Hirsch Pierre L. , Martin Francis L.
Published: November 2015

Aluminium foil is a potential low-cost alternative substrate for spectrochemical analyses: facilitating translation to a routine clinical or laboratory setting.
Pharmaceutical cocrystals: along the path to improved medicines
Authors: Duggirala Naga K. , Perry Miranda L. , Almarsson Örn , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: November 2015

Cocrystals, a long known but understudied class of crystalline solids, have attracted interest from crystal engineers and pharmaceutical scientists in the past decade and are now an integral part of the preformulation stage of drug development.
Two-dimensional carbon-based conductive materials with dynamically controlled asymmetric Dirac cones
Authors: Miguel Delia , Márquez Irene R. , Álvarez de Cienfuegos Luis , Fuentes Noelia , Rodríguez-Bolivar Salvador , Cárdenas Diego J. , Mota Antonio J. , Gómez-Campos Francisco , Cuerva Juan M.
Published: November 2015

A two dimensional graphene-type material with a controlled anisotropic electron flow is described for the first time.
A microwave molecular solution based approach towards high-κ-tantalum(v)oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, dielectric properties and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic studies of their defect chemistry
Authors: Hoffmann R. C. , Kaloumenos M. , Spiehl D. , Erdem E. , Repp S. , Weber S. , Schneider J. J.
Published: November 2015

Transparent and dense dielectric Ta2O5 thin films are accessible via a solution based molecular approach.
Order and disorder in quaternary atomic laminates from first-principles calculations
Authors: Dahlqvist Martin , Rosen Johanna
Published: November 2015

The stability of chemically ordered and disordered quaternary atomic laminates with highly ordered structures are predicted to be stable at typical synthesis temperatures Tsynthesis for TiM2AlC2 (M = Cr, Mo, W) and Ti2M2AlC3 (M = Mo, W) when Tsynthesis < Tdisorder.
Real-space numerical grid methods in quantum chemistry
Authors: Frediani Luca , Sundholm Dage
Published: November 2015

This themed issue reports on recent progress in the fast developing field of real-space numerical grid methods in quantum chemistry.
Enzyme-catalyzed domino reaction: efficient construction of spirocyclic oxindole skeleton using porcine pepsin
Authors: He Yan-Hong , He Tao , Guo Jun-Tao , Li Rui , Xiang Yang , Yang Da-Cheng , Guan Zhi
Published: November 2015

Pepsin from porcine gastric mucosa was used as a catalyst in the domino Knoevenagel/Michael/Michael reaction for the synthesis of spirooxindoles.
Hollow AgPt/SiO2 nanomaterials with controlled surface morphologies: is the number of Pt surface atoms imperative to optimize catalytic performances?
Authors: Rodrigues Thenner S. , da Silva Alisson H. M. , da Silva Anderson G. M. , Ceara Daniel G. , Gomes Janaina F. , Assaf Jose M. , Camargo Pedro H. C.
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates how the number of Pt surface atoms and exposed facets affected the catalytic performances of AgPt nanomaterials.
Origin of highly active metal–organic framework catalysts: defects? Defects!
Authors: Canivet J. , Vandichel M. , Farrusseng D.
Published: November 2015

This article provides a comprehensive review of the nature of catalytic sites in MOFs.
Cationic rhenium complexes ligated with N-heterocyclic carbenes – an overview
Authors: Hille Claudia , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: November 2015

This review provides an overview of the currently known cationic rhenium NHC complexes.