bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slow-growing cells within isogenic populations have increased RNA polymerase error rates and DNA damage
Authors: van Dijk David , Dhar Riddhiman , Missarova Alsu M. , Espinar Lorena , Blevins William R. , Lehner Ben , Carey Lucas B.
Published: August 2015

Isogenic cells show a large degree of variability in growth rate, even when cultured in the same environment. Such cell-to-cell variability in growth can alter sensitivity to antibiotics, chemotherapy and environmental stress. To characterize transcriptional differences associated with this variability, we have developed a method—FitFlow—that enables the sorting of subpopulations by growth rate. The slow-growing subpopulation shows a transcriptional stress response, but, more surprisingly, these cells have reduced RNA polymerase fidelity and exhibit a DNA damage response. As DNA damage is often caused by oxidative stress, we test the addition of an antioxidant, and find that it reduces the size of the slow-growing population. More generally, we find a significantly altered transcriptome in the slow-growing subpopulation that only partially resembles that of cells growing slowly due to environmental and culture conditions. Slow-growing cells upregulate transposons and express more chromosomal, viral and plasmid-borne transcripts, and thus explore a larger genotypic—and so phenotypic — space.
p75NTR-dependent activation of NF-κB regulates microRNA-503 transcription and pericyte–endothelial crosstalk in diabetes after limb ischaemia
Authors: Caporali Andrea , Meloni Marco , Nailor Audrey , Mitić Tijana , Shantikumar Saran , Riu Federica , Sala-Newby Graciela B. , Rose Lorraine , Besnier Marie , Katare Rajesh , Voellenkle Christine , Verkade Paul , Martelli Fabio , Madeddu Paolo , Emanueli Costanza
Published: August 2015

The communication between vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes in the microvasculature is fundamental for vascular growth and homeostasis; however, these processes are disrupted by diabetes. Here we show that modulation of p75NTRexpression in ECs exposed to high glucose activates transcription of miR-503, which negatively affects pericyte function. p75NTRactivates NF-κB to bind the miR-503 promoter and upregulate miR-503 expression in ECs. NF-κB further induces activation of Rho kinase and shedding of endothelial microparticles carrying miR-503, which transfer miR-503 from ECs to vascular pericytes. The integrin-mediated uptake of miR-503 in the recipient pericytes reduces expression ofEFNB2andVEGFA, resulting in impaired migration and proliferation. We confirm operation of the above mechanisms in mouse models of diabetes, in which EC-derived miR-503 reduces pericyte coverage of capillaries, increased permeability and impaired post-ischaemic angiogenesis in limb muscles. Collectively, our data demonstrate that miR-503 regulates pericyte–endothelial crosstalk in microvascular diabetic complications.
Polarity-tunable magnetic tunnel junctions based on ferromagnetism at oxide heterointerfaces
Authors: Ngo Thach D.N. , Chang Jung-Won , Lee Kyujoon , Han Seungju , Lee Joon Sung , Kim Young Heon , Jung Myung-Hwa , Doh Yong-Joo , Choi Mahn-Soo , Song Jonghyun , Kim Jinhee
Published: August 2015

Complex oxide systems have attracted considerable attention because of their fascinating properties, including the magnetic ordering at the conducting interface between two band insulators, such as LaAlO3 and SrTiO3. However, the manipulation of the spin degree of freedom at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterointerface has remained elusive. Here, we have fabricated hybrid magnetic tunnel junctions consisting of Co and LaAlO3/SrTiO3 ferromagnets with the insertion of a Ti layer in between, which clearly exhibit magnetic switching and the tunnelling magnetoresistance effect below 10 K. The magnitude and sign of the tunnelling magnetoresistance are strongly dependent on the direction of the rotational magnetic field parallel to the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 plane, which is attributed to a strong Rashba-type spin-orbit coupling in the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructure. Our study provides a further support for the existence of the macroscopic ferromagnetism at LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterointerfaces and opens a novel route to realize interfacial spintronics devices.
Loss of NDRG2 enhanced activation of the NF-κB pathway by PTEN and NIK phosphorylation for ATL and other cancer development
Authors: Ichikawa Tomonaga , Nakahata Shingo , Fujii Masahiro , Iha Hidekatsu , Morishita Kazuhiro
Published: August 2015

The activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling has a central role in the development of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and many other cancers. However, the activation mechanism of the NF-κB pathways remains poorly understood. Recently, we reported that N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is a negative regulator of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway by promoting the active dephosphorylated form of PTEN at its C-terminus via the recruitment of PP2A. Additionally, the down-regulation of NDRG2 expression promotes the inactive phosphorylated form of PTEN, which results in constitutively active PI3K/AKT signaling in various cancer cell types. Here, we investigated the involvement of NDRG2 in modulating NF-κB signaling. The forced expression of NDRG2 in ATL cells down-regulates not only the canonical pathway by inhibiting AKT signaling but also the non-canonical pathway by inducing NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) dephosphorylation via the recruitment of PP2A. Therefore, NDRG2 works as a PP2A recruiter to suppress not only PI3K/AKT signaling but also NF-κB signaling, which is particularly important in host defenses or immune responses to Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. Furthermore, the loss of NDRG2 expression might play an important role in the progression of tumor development after HTLV-1 infection.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 protein antagonises an Imiquimod-induced inflammatory pathway in primary human keratinocytes
Authors: Richards Kathryn H. , Wasson Christopher W. , Watherston Oliver , Doble Rosella , Eric Blair G. , Wittmann Miriam , Macdonald Andrew
Published: August 2015

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the etiological pathogen of cervical and a number of ano-genital cancers. How HPVs overcome the significant barriers of the skin immune system has been the topic of intensive research. The E6 and E7 oncoproteins have emerged as key players in the deregulation of host innate immune pathways that are required for the recruitment of effector cells of the immune response. Here we demonstrate that E7 and to a lesser extend E6, strongly reduce NFκB activation in response to the inflammatory mediator imiquimod. Moreover, we establish that undifferentiated keratinocytes do not express the putative receptor for imiquimod, TLR7 and as such are stimulated by imiquimod through a novel pathway. Inhibition of imiquimod induced cytokine production required residues in the CR1 and CR3 regions of E7 and resulted in reduced nuclear translocation and acetylation of the p65 sub-unit of NFκB. The results provide further evidence for a TLR7-independent role of imiquimod in the epithelial immune response and reinforce the ability of the HPV oncoproteins to disrupt the innate immune response, which may have important consequences for establishment of a chronic infection.
Pharmacokinetics of a multicomponent herbal preparation in healthy Chinese and African volunteers
Authors: Alolga Raphael N. , Fan Yong , Zhang Gang , Li Jin , Zhao Yi-Jing , Lelu Kakila Jimmy , Chen Yan , Li Ping , Qi Lian-Wen
Published: August 2015

K-601 is an herbal formulation for influenza consisting of Lonicera japonica, Isatis indigotica, Rheum palmatum, Phellodendron chinense and Scutellaria baicalensis. In this work, we characterized the chemical constituents in K-601, identified the absorbed compounds and determined their pharmacokinetics in 6 Chinese and African volunteers by liquid chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Similarity evaluation for chromatographic fingerprint of nine different batches showed values above 0.983. Totally, 50 components were identified in K-601. Then, 15 major prototype compounds and 17 metabolites were identified in human plasma. Major metabolic pathways included glucuronidation, sulfation, methylation, demethylation and reduction. The pharmacokinetics of the most abundant prototype compounds, berberine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine and magnoflorine were determined. Significant pharmacokinetic differences were observed between the African and Chinese subjects. The AUCs of the African is about 4–10 fold higher than that of the Chinese for the three benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. Magnoflorine, an aporphine alkaloid, was absorbed better in the Chinese than in the African. The biotransformation of K-601 by human intestinal microflora was also investigated. The major reactions included hydroxylation, methylation, demethylation, acetylation and reduction. Glucuronidation and sulfation were not observed with fecal flora. These results may be important and useful in linking data from pharmacological assays and clinical effects.
The selective post-translational processing of transcription factor Nrf1 yields distinct isoforms that dictate its ability to differentially regulate gene expression
Authors: Zhang Yiguo , Li Shaojun , Xiang Yuancai , Qiu Lu , Zhao Huakan , Hayes John D.
Published: August 2015

Upon translation, the N-terminal homology box 1 (NHB1) signal anchor sequence of Nrf1 integrates it within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) whilst its transactivation domains [TADs, including acidic domain 1 (AD1), the flanking Asn/Ser/Thr-rich (NST) domain and AD2] are transiently translocated into the ER lumen, whereupon the NST domain is glycosylated to yield an inactive 120-kDa glycoprotein. Subsequently, these TADs are retrotranslocated into extra-luminal subcellular compartments, where Nrf1 is deglycosylated to yield an active 95-kDa isoform. Herein, we report that AD1 and AD2 are required for the stability of the 120-kDa Nrf1 glycoprotein, but not that of the non-glycosylated/de-glycosylated 95-kDa isoform. Degrons within AD1 do not promote proteolytic degradation of the 120-kDa Nrf1 glycoprotein. However, repositioning of AD2-adjoining degrons (i.e. DSGLS-containing SDS1 and PEST2 sequences) into the cyto/nucleoplasm enables selective topovectorial processing of Nrf1 by the proteasome and/or calpains to generate a cleaved active 85-kDa Nrf1 or a dominant-negative 36-kDa Nrf1γ. Production of Nrf1γ is abolished by removal of SDS1 or PEST2 degrons, whereas production of the cleaved 85-kDa Nrf1 is blocked by deletion of the ER luminal-anchoring NHB2 sequence (aa 81–106). Importantly, Nrf1 activity is positively and/or negatively regulated by distinct doses of proteasome and calpain inhibitors.
Copy number variations and gene polymorphisms of Complement components in ocular Behcet’s disease and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome
Authors: Xu Dengfeng , Hou Shengping , Zhang Jun , Jiang Yanni , Kijlstra Aize , Yang Peizeng
Published: August 2015

Complement is involved in many immune-mediated diseases. However, the association of its copy number variations (CNVs) and polymorphisms with Behcet’s disease (BD) and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH) is unknown. We examined copy number and mRNA expression by real-time PCR. Cytokine production by stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in genotyped individuals was measured by ELISA. The frequencies of having more than two copies of C3 were significantly increased in BD and VKH, whereas CNV of C5 was only associated with BD. Increased frequencies of the GG genotype of C3 rs408290 and C5 rs2269067 were found in BD. No association was observed between C3 and C5 SNPs and VKH. mRNA expression in the high CNV group and GG cases of C3 and C5 was significantly higher compared to other genotypes. Increased interleukin-17 and IFN-γ was observed in the high CNV group and GG genotype cases of C3. Interleukin-17 but not IFN-γ was increased in the high CNV group and GG genotype cases of C5. No effect of C3 or C5 genetic variants was seen on the production of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β, MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-8. Our study thus provides further evidence for a role of complement in the pathogenesis of uveitis.
Triplex DNA: A new platform for polymerase chain reaction – based biosensor
Authors: Li Yubin , Miao Xiangmin , Ling Liansheng
Published: August 2015

Non - specific PCR amplification and DNA contamination usually accompany with PCR process, to overcome these problems, here we establish a sensor for thrombin by sequence - specific recognition of the PCR product with molecular beacon through triplex formation. Probe A and probe B were designed for the sensor, upon addition of thrombin, two probes hybridized to each other and the probe B was extended in the presence of Klenow Fragment polymerase and dNTPs. The PCR amplification occurred with further addition of Taq DNA Polymerase and two primers, the PCR product was recognized by molecular beacon through triplex formation. The fluorescence intensity increased with the logarithm of the concentration of thrombin over the range from 1.0 × 10−12 M to 1.0 × 10−7 M, with a detection limit of 261 fM. Moreover, the effect of DNA contamination and non - specific amplification could be ignored completely in the proposed strategy.
Discovery of Some Piperine-Based Phenylsulfonylhydrazone Derivatives as Potent Botanically Narcotic Agents
Authors: Qu Huan , Lv Min , Yu Xiang , Lian Xihong , Xu Hui
Published: August 2015

By structural modification of piperine, some piperine-based phenylsulfonylhydrazone derivatives exhibited an unprecedented and potent narcotic activity against the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker). The ND50 values of compounds 6c and 6e against the third-instar larvae of M. separata, which were more potent than those of wilfortrine and wilforgine, were 0.0074 μmol (after 3.5 h) and 0.0075 μmol (after 7 h) per larvae, respectively. By transmission electron microscope, it demonstrated that mitochondria were vacuolated and swollen in the ganglion cell of M. separata after treatment with 6c. More importantly, 6c selectively displayed the inhibition activity on acetylcholine esterase (AchE) of M. separata. This work paved the way for further studying the insecticidal mechanism of 6c as a new and promising botanical narcotic agent.
Long-term Surgical Outcomes of Epiretinal Membrane in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Ikeda Yasuhiro , Yoshida Noriko , Murakami Yusuke , Nakatake Shunji , Notomi Shoji , Hisatomi Toshio , Enaida Hiroshi , Ishibashi Tatsuro
Published: August 2015

Macular complications such as an epiretinal membrane (ERM), a cystoid macular edema and a macular hole lead to unexpected central vision impairment especially for patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). To evaluate the long-term surgical outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for ERM in patients with RP, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of a consecutive series of 10 RP patients who underwent PPV for ERM at Kyushu University Hospital. Visual acuity (VA) testing, a fundus examination and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis were conducted. The standard PPV using three sclerotomies was performed for ERM. PPV was performed in 12 eyes of 10 patients. One eye was excluded from the outcome assessment due to short period observation (18 months). There was no significantly deleterious change from the baseline to final VA between the operation eyes and the fellow eyes (P = 0.19). Moreover, morphological improvement was obtained in 9 of 11 eyes based on OCT. Our present data suggest that PPV may be tolerable in the management for ERM in RP patients over the long-term. Furthermore, the appearance of the ellipsoid zone was an important factor in the prediction of visual outcome and determination of surgical indication.
A radon-thoron isotope pair as a reliable earthquake precursor
Authors: Hwa Oh Yong , Kim Guebuem
Published: August 2015

Abnormal increases in radon (222Rn, half-life = 3.82 days) activity have occasionally been observed in underground environments before major earthquakes. However, 222Rn alone could not be used to forecast earthquakes since it can also be increased due to diffusive inputs over its lifetime. Here, we show that a very short-lived isotope, thoron (220Rn, half-life = 55.6 s; mean life = 80 s), in a cave can record earthquake signals without interference from other environmental effects. We monitored 220Rn together with 222Rn in air of a limestone-cave in Korea for one year. Unusually large 220Rn peaks were observed only in February 2011, preceding the 2011 M9.0 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake, Japan, while large 222Rn peaks were observed in both February 2011 and the summer. Based on our analyses, we suggest that the anomalous peaks of 222Rn and 220Rn activities observed in February were precursory signals related to the Tohoku-Oki Earthquake. Thus, the 220Rn-222Rn combined isotope pair method can present new opportunities for earthquake forecasting if the technique is extensively employed in earthquake monitoring networks around the world.
Efficacy and safety of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification for cataract: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Xiaoyun , Xiao Wei , Ye Shaobi , Chen Weirong , Liu Yizhi
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) versus conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery (CPCS) in the treatment of cataract. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Nine qualified studies with a total of 989 eyes were included. Compared with CPCS, FLACS significantly reduced mean phaco energy and effective phacoemulsification time (EPT) required in the surgery. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was significantly lower in FLACS at 1 day of follow-up, but CCT and corneal endothelial cells count was comparable at 1 week of follow-up or longer. FLACS achieved a better visual outcome at postoperative 1 week and 6 months, but the difference was not significant at postoperative 1–3 months. Regard to surgical complications, the incidences of intraoperative anterior capsule tear, postoperative macular edema and elevated intraocular pressure were similar. In conclusion, femtosecond laser pretreatment can reduce phaco energy and EPT, which may reduce the heat damage to ocular tissues by ultrasound. This novel technique might be beneficial for patients with dense cataract and/or low preoperative endothelial cell values. Well-designed RCTs with longer follow-up are still necessary to provide more reliable evidence.
Extensive shift in placental transcriptome profile in preeclampsia and placental origin of adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Sõber Siim , Reiman Mario , Kikas Triin , Rull Kristiina , Inno Rain , Vaas Pille , Teesalu Pille , Marti Jesus M. Lopez , Mattila Pirkko , Laan Maris
Published: August 2015

One in five pregnant women suffer from gestational complications, prevalently driven by placental malfunction. Using RNASeq, we analyzed differential placental gene expression in cases of normal gestation, late-onset preeclampsia (LO-PE), gestational diabetes (GD) and pregnancies ending with the birth of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) or large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborns (n = 8/group). In all groups, the highest expression was detected for small noncoding RNAs and genes specifically implicated in placental function and hormonal regulation. The transcriptome of LO-PE placentas was clearly distinct, showing statistically significant (after FDR) expressional disturbances for hundreds of genes. Taqman RT-qPCR validation of 45 genes in an extended sample (n = 24/group) provided concordant results. A limited number of transcription factors includingLRF, SP1andAP2were identified as possible drivers of these changes. Notable differences were detected in differential expression signatures of LO-PE subtypes defined by the presence or absence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). LO-PE with IUGR showed higher correlation with SGA and LO-PE without IUGR with LGA placentas. Whereas changes in placental transcriptome in SGA, LGA and GD cases were less prominent, the overall profiles of expressional disturbances overlapped among pregnancy complications providing support to shared placental responses. The dataset represent a rich catalogue for potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Lys39-Lysophosphatidate Carbonyl Oxygen Interaction Locks LPA1 N-terminal Cap to the Orthosteric Site and partners Arg124 During Receptor Activation
Authors: Omotuyi Olaposi I. , Nagai Jun , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: August 2015

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor 1 (LPA1) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptors mediating the biological response to LPA species. Lack of detailed mechanism underlying LPA/LPA1interaction has hampered the development of specific antagonists. Here, novel N-terminal Lys39 has been identified as a key residue during LPA-type agonist binding and LPA1activation. Analysis of the molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories showed that LPA-type agonist but not VPC-32183 (antagonist) evolved structures with classical GPCR activation signatures such as reduced cytoplasmic transmembrane (TM) 3/TM6 dynamic network, ruptured ionic lock and formation of a continuous and highly ordered internal water pathway was also observed. In activated state, LPA-type agonists interact with Arg124 (R3.28), Gln125 (Q3.29), Lys294 (K7.36) and a novel N-terminal Lys39. Site-directed mutagenesis showed complete loss of intracellular calcium mobilization in B103 cells expressing R3.28A and Lys39Ala when treated with LPA-type agonists. Structurally, LPA-type agonist via Carbonyl-oxygen/Lys39 interaction facilitated the formation of a hypothetical N-terminal cap tightly packed over LPA1heptahelical bundle. This packing may represent a key mechanism to distinguish an apo-receptor from bound LPA1.
Simultaneous extraction and determination of trace amounts of olanzapine and fluoxetine from biological fluids: comparison of conventional hollow fiber supported liquid phase microextraction and pulsed electrically assisted liquid-phase microextraction techniques
Authors: Ara Katayoun Mahdavi , Raofie Farhad , Seidi Shahram
Published: August 2015

This work reports for the first time a comparative study about simultaneous HF-LPME and PEME of OLZ and FLX from human plasma and urine samples.
Determination of 10 photo-initiator residues in food plastic packaging by gel permeation chromatography extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Cai HuiMei , Shang GuangZhi , Zhang JuZhou , Tao GuShuai , Chen GuiJie , Wan XiaoChun
Published: August 2015

An analytical method based on GPC coupled with GC-MS for the determination of 10 photo-initiators –BP,2-MBP,Irgacure 184,3-MBP,4-MBP,EDB,Irgacure 651,OMBB,EHAandITX– in plastic food packaging.
A novel electrochemical sensor of 4-nonylphenol based on a poly(ionic liquid) hollow nanosphere/gold nanoparticle composite modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Ren Jie , Gu Jinfen , Tao Li , Yao Mengqi , Yang Xiaoci , Yang Wu
Published: August 2015

A well-packed film of AuNP/PIL was formed on the GCE surface.
On the effects of substitution, intercalation, non-stoichiometry and block layer concept in TiS2 based thermoelectrics
Authors: Guilmeau E. , Maignan A. , Wan C. , Koumoto K.
Published: August 2015

TiS2 based layered sulfides have recently received increasing interest from the thermoelectric community.
Adsorption of guanidinium collectors on aluminosilicate minerals – a density functional study
Authors: Nulakani Naga Venkateswara Rao , Baskar Prathab , Patra Abhay Shankar , Subramanian Venkatesan
Published: August 2015

In this density functional theory based investigation, we have modelled and studied the adsorption behaviour of guanidinium cations and substituted (phenyl, methoxy phenyl, nitro phenyl and di-nitro phenyl) guanidinium cationic collectors on the basal surfaces of kaolinite and goethite.
Enhanced performance of dye-sensitized solar cells with dual-function coadsorbent: reducing the surface concentration of dye–iodine complexes concomitant with attenuated charge recombination
Authors: Mazloum-Ardakani Mohammad , Khoshroo Alireza
Published: August 2015

We introduce a dual-function coadsorbent in DSCs, that play a beneficial role in the recombination and iodine binds to the N719 dye.
The role of the local chemical environment of Ag on the resistive switching mechanism of conductive bridging random access memories
Authors: Souchier E. , D'Acapito F. , Noé P. , Blaise P. , Bernard M. , Jousseaume V.
Published: August 2015

GeSx-based CBRAM devices are studied using synchrotron characterization before and after switching in order to understand the local environment around Ag atoms.
Lithium-doping inverts the nanoscale electric field at the grain boundaries in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 and increases photovoltaic efficiency
Authors: Xin H. , Vorpahl S. M. , Collord A. D. , Braly I. L. , Uhl A. R. , Krueger B. W. , Ginger D. S. , Hillhouse H. W.
Published: August 2015

Lithium doping changes the electric field at the GBs and improves DMSO solution processed Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cell efficiency to 11.8%.
A water-dependent kinetics guide for complex lipase-mediated synthesis of biolubricants in a water activity control reactor
Authors: Tao Yifeng , Chen Guohua , Pavlidis Ioannis V. , Jiang Yang , Qie Longfei , Cui Caixia , Liu Luo , Chen Biqiang , Tan Tianwei
Published: August 2015

A water-dependent kinetic model for a lipase-mediated reaction with multiple substrates and products in a water activity control reactor was developed.
Interfacial band-edge energetics for solar fuels production
Authors: Smith Wilson A. , Sharp Ian D. , Strandwitz Nicholas C. , Bisquert Juan
Published: August 2015

Theoretical and practical aspects of solid–solid and solid–liquid interfaces for photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices are discussed.
Chelator free gallium-68 radiolabelling of silica coated iron oxide nanorods via surface interactions
Authors: Burke Benjamin P. , Baghdadi Neazar , Kownacka Alicja E. , Nigam Shubhanchi , Clemente Gonçalo S. , Al-Yassiry Mustafa M. , Domarkas Juozas , Lorch Mark , Pickles Martin , Gibbs Peter , Tripier Raphaël , Cawthorne Christopher , Archibald Stephen J.
Published: August 2015

Silica coated iron oxide nanorods can be radiolabelled with gallium-68 without the need for a chelator to give in vivo stable multimodal PET/MR imaging agents.
Single wall carbon nanohorn (SWCNH)/graphene nanoplate/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites: a promising material for electromagnetic interference shielding applications
Authors: Bera Ranadip , Karan Sumanta Kumar , Das Amit Kumar , Paria Sarbaranjan , Khatua Bhanu Bhusan
Published: August 2015

Single wall carbon nanohorn (SWCNH)/graphene nanoplates (GNP)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites were prepared through addition of GNP/PMMA bead into the SWCNH dispersed PMMA matrix during its polymerization.
Structure and electrochemical detection of xenobiotic micro-pollutant hydroquinone using CeO2 nanocrystals
Authors: Sabari Arul N. , Mangalaraj D. , Han Jeong In , Cavalcante L. S.
Published: August 2015

CeO2 nanocrystals prepared by precipitation method holds as a promising candidate for the electrochemical detection of toxic hydroquinone.
Flow-injection solid phase extraction using Dowex Optipore L493 loaded with dithizone for preconcentration of chromium species from industrial waters and determination by FAAS
Authors: Saxena Reena , Tiwari Shelja , Sharma Niharika
Published: August 2015

An online flow injection preconcentration system for speciation of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi) based on the combination of solid phase extraction (SPE) and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) has been described.
An efficient method to prepare a new class of regioregular graft copolymer via a click chemistry approach
Authors: Mane Shivshankar R. , Sarkar Santu , N. Vijayakameswara Rao , Sathyan Ashlin , Shunmugam Raja
Published: August 2015

Herein, we report the synthesis of a novel regioregular poly-norbornene anhydride-g-(3-hexyl thiophene) (PNBA-g-PHT) graft copolymer.
Catalytic action of nano Bi2WO6 on thermal decompositions of AP, RDX, HMX and combustion of NG/NC propellant
Authors: Wei Taotao , Zhang Yu , Xu Kangzhen , Ren Zhaoyu , Gao Hongxu , Zhao Fengqi
Published: August 2015

Nano Bi2WO6 used as burning catalyst of NG/NC propellant increase burning rate, decrease pressure exponent and form specific high-pressure platform.
Star shaped ferrocenyl substituted triphenylamines
Authors: Misra Rajneesh , Maragani Ramesh , Pathak Biswarup , Gautam Prabhat , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: August 2015

This manuscript reports design and synthesis of star shaped ferrocenyl substituted triphenylamine conjugates (Fc-TPA) 3a–3c by the Pd-catalyzed Sonogshira cross-coupling reaction.
Enhanced rhamnolipid production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa SG by increasing copy number of rhlAB genes with modified promoter
Authors: Zhao Feng , Cui Qingfeng , Han Siqin , Dong Hanping , Zhang Jie , Ma Fang , Zhang Ying
Published: August 2015

Increasing the copy number ofrhlABgenes with a modified promoter efficiently enhanced the production of rhamnolipid byP. aeruginosa.
Bio-green synthesis of Ni-doped tin oxide nanoparticles and its influence on gas sensing properties
Authors: Gattu Ketan P. , Ghule Kalyani , Kashale Anil A. , Patil V. B. , Phase D. M. , Mane R. S. , Han S. H. , Sharma Ramphal , Ghule Anil Vithal
Published: August 2015

Using a novel, cost-effective and environmentally friendly biosynthesis method, Ni-doped SnO2 nanoparticles have been synthesized. Gas sensing results suggest that the Ni-dopant is a promising additive to fabricate low cost SnO2 based sensors.
Spectroscopic markers for uranium(vi) phosphates: a vibronic study
Authors: Faulques E. , Kalashnyk N. , Massuyeau F. , Perry D. L.
Published: August 2015

Uranyl phosphate minerals are studied by optical and vibrational spectroscopy which provide robust markers to discriminate among environmentally hazardous uranium phases.
Low loaded palladium nanoparticles on ethylenediamine-functionalized cellulose as an efficient catalyst for electrochemical hydrogen production
Authors: Moradpour Ali , Ghaffarinejad Ali , Maleki Ali , Eskandarpour Vahid , Motaharian Ali
Published: August 2015

In this study, for the first time, a carbon paste electrode was modified with palladium nanoparticles supported on ethylenediamine-functionalized cellulose, and its performance for electrocatalytic hydrogen production was examined.
Application of a high-throughput enantiomeric excess optical assay involving a dynamic covalent assembly: parallel asymmetric allylation and ee sensing of homoallylic alcohols
Authors: Jo H. H. , Gao X. , You L. , Anslyn E. V. , Krische M. J.
Published: August 2015

Parallel synthesis and high-throughput ee screening.
Glassy dynamics of a polymer monolayer on a heterogeneous disordered substrate
Authors: Pastore Raffaele , Raos Guido
Published: August 2015

The dynamics of polymers adsorbed on heterogeneous solid substrates becomes surprisingly sluggish on cooling.
Controlled metal loading on poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propane-sulfonic acid) membranes by an ion-exchange process to improve electrodialytic separation performance for mono-/bi-valent ions
Authors: Thakur Amit K. , Manohar Murli , Shahi Vinod K.
Published: August 2015

Cross-linked poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propanesulfonic acid) (PMPS)-based cation-exchange membranes (CEMs) were prepared, and the mono-valent selectivity of the membranes was significantly improved by a pore-sieving strategy using metal (copper) loading.
Hierarchical ultrathin-branched CdS nanowire arrays with enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Huang Yi , Xu You , Zhang Jin , Yin Xuguang , Guo Yamei , Zhang Bin
Published: August 2015

Hierarchical ultrathin-branched CdS nanowire arrays (3DHU-CdS) with improved activity were fabricated through novel chemical transformation of 2D ZnS–amine hybrid nanosheets with Cd2+.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and thermoelectric properties of two new barium antimony selenides: Ba2Sb2Se5and Ba6Sb7Se16.11
Authors: Wang Jian , Lee Kathleen , Kovnir Kirill
Published: August 2015

Two new antimony selenides crystallizing in new structure types, Ba2Sb2Se5and Ba6Sb7Se16.11, were synthesized and characterized. The structural complexity and disorder in the Se sublattice of Ba2Sb2Se5resulted in extremely low thermal conductivity.
Structural distortions of the spin-crossover material [Co(pyterpy)2](TCNQ)2mediated by supramolecular interactions
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Xie Haomiao , Ballesteros-Rivas Maria , Wang Zhao-Xi , Dunbar Kim R.
Published: August 2015

Supramolecular interactions between the terminal pyridyl groups and TCNQ radicals induce structural distortions in [Co(pyterpy)2](TCNQ)2spin-crossover materials.
Highly efficient single- and multi-emission-layer fluorescent/phosphorescent hybrid white organic light-emitting diodes with ∼20% external quantum efficiency
Authors: Li Xiang-Long , Ouyang Xinhua , Liu Ming , Ge Ziyi , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong , Su Shi-Jian
Published: August 2015

A blue fluorophore BBPI was utilized to fabricate fluorescent/phosphorescent hybrid WOLEDs with ∼20% external quantum efficiency.
Effect of aliovalent doping on the properties of perovskite-like multiferroic formates
Authors: Mączka Mirosław , Sieradzki Adam , Bondzior Bartosz , Dereń Przemysław , Hanuza Jerzy , Hermanowicz Krzysztof
Published: August 2015

We show that doping of multiferroic formates with various trivalent cations is a new route for the synthesis of tunable luminescent multiferroics.
Liberation of surface-located penicillinase from Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Coles N. W. , Gross R.
Published: August 2015

1. Growth of Staphylococcus aureus (8325; alphai(-)p(+)), constitutive for the production of penicillinase, in CY medium results in about 40% of the enzyme being free in the medium. By modifying the medium, 98% of the enzyme remains cell-bound. 2. Part of this is bound ionically to the surface of the cell wall and may be liberated instantaneously by certain inorganic anions. Maximum liberation was achieved with either phosphate or arsenate, both of which showed marked pH-dependence. 3. Polyanions that do not penetrate the cell wall, such as heparin, RNA and dextran sulphate, are also effective in liberating penicillinase. 4. Polyanions added to the growth medium prevent the appearance of ionically bound penicillinase owing to their strong affinity for the sites on the cell wall required for binding of the enzyme.
Post-albumin, a foetal-specific rat plasma protein: Purification, physicochemical and immunological studies
Authors: Kirsch J. A. W. , Wise R. W. , Oliver I. T.
Published: August 2015

1. The foetal-specific post-albumin of rat plasma was purified by electrophoresis on a Pevicon block. 2. The sedimentation coefficient, diffusion coefficient and molecular weight were determined for this protein and found to be similar to those of adult rat plasma albumin. 3. Foetal post-albumin and adult albumin were compared immunologically and shown, with rabbit antisera, to share no antigenic determinants, suggesting different genetic control of the production of each. 4. It is suggested that the disappearance of post-albumin in the newborn animal may result from the disappearance of haemopoietic tissue from the rat liver with advancing age.
Studies on lipogenesis in vivo: Comparison of cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis in rats and mice
Authors: Jansen G. R. , Zanetti M.E. , Hutchison C. F.
Published: August 2015

1. The importance of fatty acid synthesis as a pathway for the disposal of ingested glucose has been evaluated in rats and mice given a purified diet high in glucose and low in fat. [U-(14)C]Glucose was either added to the diet and fed for 24hr. or given by stomach tube as a 250mg. (mice) or 1000mg. (rats) meal. The two methods of isotope administration gave similar results. 2. Under the conditions employed fatty acid synthesis appeared to be a more important pathway for glucose disposal in mice than in rats. In mice 15.3% of ingested [U-(14)C]glucose was converted into fatty acid and in rats the corresponding value was 8.6%. In contrast, the conversion of [U-(14)C]glucose into cholesterol, as a percentage of dose, was twice as high in rats as in mice. 3. The effect of 20% of corn oil in the diet on the conversion of dietary [U-(14)C]glucose into fat was also investigated. Mice given diets containing 1% or 20% of corn oil converted 14.6% or 7.0% respectively of dietary [U-(14)C]glucose into fatty acid over a 24hr. period. There was no effect of fat on the incorporation of the isotope into cholesterol. 4. In mice given diets containing 1% or 20% of corn oil approx. 10% and 2% respectively of newly synthesized fatty acids were found in the liver. Hepatic fatty acid synthesis appears to be more sensitive to dietary fat than is extrahepatic synthesis.
The rate of gluconeogenesis from various precursors in the perfused rat liver
Authors: Ross B. D. , Hems R. , Krebs H. A
Published: August 2015

1. The rates of gluconeogenesis from many precursors have been measured in the perfused rat liver and, for comparison, in rat liver slices. All livers were from rats starved for 48hr. Under optimum conditions the rates in perfused liver were three to five times those found under optimum conditions in slices. 2. Rapid gluconeogenesis (rates of above 0.5mumole/g./min.) were found with lactate, pyruvate, alanine, serine, proline, fructose, dihydroxyacetone, sorbitol, xylitol. Unexpectedly other amino acids, notably glutamate and aspartate, and the intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (with the exception of oxaloacetate), reacted very slowly and were not readily removed from the perfusion medium, presumably because of permeability barriers which prevent the passage of highly charged negative ions. Glutamine and asparagine formed glucose more readily than the corresponding amino acids. 3. Glucagon increased the rate of gluconeogenesis from lactate and pyruvate but not from any other precursor tested. This occurred when the liver was virtually completely depleted of glycogen. Two sites of action of glucagon must therefore be postulated: one concerned with mobilization of liver glycogen, the other with the promotion of gluconeogenesis. Sliced liver did not respond to glucagon. 4. Pyruvate and oxaloacetate formed substantial quantities of lactate on perfusion, which indicates that the reducing power provided in the cytoplasm was in excess of the needs of gluconeogenesis. 5. Values for the content of intermediary metabolites of gluconeogenesis in the perfused liver are reported. The values for most intermediates rose on addition of lactate. 6. The rates of gluconeogenesis from lactate and pyruvate were not affected by wide variations of the lactate/pyruvate ratio in the perfusion medium.
Purification of an acid α-glucosidase by dextran-gel filtration
Authors: Auricchio F. , Bruni C. B.
Published: August 2015

1. The behaviour of rat liver α-glucosidases on dextran gel (Sephadex G-100) columns was studied. A ‘retardation’ of an acid α-glucosidase activity was observed. This activity was identified as lysosome α-(1→4)-glucosidase. A single gel-filtration step resulted in a 700-fold purification of the enzyme. The same technique was also used to purify the acid α-glucosidase of human kidney. 2. The acid α-glucosidases of both tissues show very similar pH optima when tested with maltose or glycogen as substrate.
The immunochemistry of Shigella flexneri O-antigens. The biochemical basis of smooth to rough mutation
Authors: Johnston Joan H. , Johnston R. J. , Simmons D. A. R.
Published: August 2015

1. Smooth to rough mutation has the same biochemical basis in Shigella as in Salmonella. It is the result of enzyme defects blocking the incorporation of the O-specific side chains that characterize the smooth lipopolysaccharide with the consequent exposure of the underlying basal structures that determine ‘rough’-specificity. 2. The Shigella flexneri basal structure resembles its Salmonella analogue in that it has the same qualitative sugar composition, and enzyme defects in its biosynthetic pathway give rise to ‘rough’-lipopolysaccharides that are indistinguishable from those of Salmonella chemotypes Ra, Rb, Rc and Rd. However, the Salmonella and Shigella basal structures are not identical as judged by quantitative analysis and the absence of serological cross-reaction. 3. The Sh. flexneri basal structure side chain has been isolated and characterized as an α-N-acetylglucosaminyl-(1→4)-galactosyl-(1→3)-glucose sequence with α-glucosyl radicals substituted on the 3- and 4-positions of the galactose and glucose respectively. The different sugar types in this side chain are incorporated into the growing molecule in the same order as in Salmonella, which explains why the enzyme defects associated with smooth to rough mutation produce the same series of R-chemotypes from both genera. The terminal α-glucosyl and α-N-acetylglucosaminyl-(1→4)-galactosyl residues of the Sh. flexneri basal structure are sufficiently different from the terminal α-galactosyl and α-N-acetylglucosaminylglucosyl residues of the Salmonella analogue that they offer an explanation for the absence of serological cross-reaction between these two basal structures.
The binding of cupric ions to bovine pancreatic ribonuclease studied with diligand metal-ion buffers
Authors: Saundry R. H. , Stein W D
Published: August 2015

A procedure has been developed for the use of metal-ion buffers that depends on the formation of 2:1 complexes between suitable chelators and metal ions. β-Alanine has been used as the chelator for Cu2+ ions in a study of Cu2+ binding by bovine pancreatic ribonuclease by the equilibrium-dialysis technique at pH7·0, 6·1 and 5·2. The results indicated the presence of two avid binding sites, the more avid group being implicated in the inhibition of enzyme activity by Cu2+ ions.

The binding constants of the more avid site were 2·97×107, 7·97×105 and 1·25×104 at pH7·0, 6·1 and 5·2 respectively, and the binding constants of the less avid site were 5·27×106 and 1·71×105 at pH7·0 and 6·1 respectively.

The data show that the Cu2+ is chelated to the protein through at least two ligand groups on the ribonuclease molecule.
Observations on the biosynthesis of phytoterpenoid quinone and chromanol nuclei
Authors: Whistance G R , Threlfall D R , Goodwin T W
Published: August 2015

1. p-Hydroxy[U−14C]benzoic acid, except for loss of the carboxyl group, is effectively incorporated into the nucleus of ubiquinone and an unidentified prenylphenol by maize roots, maize shoots, french-bean leaves, french-bean cotyledons and Ochromonas danica. Plastoquinone, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and α-tocopherolquinone are all unlabelled from this substrate. The high radioactivity of the prenylphenol and its behaviour in a pulse-labelling experiment with maize shoots suggested that it may be a ubiquinone precursor. 2. Members of the 2-polyprenylphenol and 6-methoxy-2-polyprenylphenol series, compounds that are known ubiquinone precursors in Rhodospirillum rubrum, could not be detected in maize tissues, but possibly they may occur as their glycosides. 3. [G−14C]Shikimic acid is incorporated into the nuclei of phylloquinone, plastoquinone, α-tocopherolquinone, γ-tocopherol, α-tocopherol and ubiquinone in maize shoots, showing that in plant tissues the nuclei of these compounds arise via the shikimic acid pathway of aromatic biosynthesis. 4. l-[U−14C]Phenylalanine and l-[U−14C]tyrosine are incorporated into plastoquinone, γ-tocopherol, α-tocopherolquinone and ubiquinone. α-Tocopherol, which is absent from shoots incubated with l-[U−14C]tyrosine, is also labelled from l-[U−14C]phenylalanine. Degradation studies showed that there is little 14C radioactivity in the terpenoid portions of the molecules and from this it is concluded that the aromatic portions of these amino acids are giving rise to the quinone and chromanol nuclei. 5. It is proposed that in maize the nucleus of ubiquinone can be formed from either phenylalanine or tyrosine by a pathway involving p-coumaric acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Plastoquinone, tocopherols and tocopherolquinones are formed from tyrosine by some pathway in which the aromatic ring and C-3 of the side chain of this amino acid gives rise to the nucleus and one methyl substituent respectively of these compounds.
Alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase activity of mammalian-cell alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Cox Rody P. , Gilbert Paul , Griffin Martin J.
Published: August 2015

Alkaline phosphatase prepared from mammalian cell cultures was found to have alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase activity. Both of these activities appear to be associated with a single protein, as demonstrated by: (1) concomitant purification of alkaline phosphatase and alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase; (2) proportional precipitation of alkaline phosphatase and inorganic pyrophosphatase activities by titrating constant amounts of an enzyme preparation with increasing concentration of antibody; (3) immune electrophoresis, which showed that precipitin bands that have alkaline phosphatase activity also have pyrophosphatase activity; (4) inhibition of pyrophosphatase activity by cysteine, an inhibitor of alkaline phosphatase activity; (5) similar subcellular localization of the two enzyme activities as demonstrated by histochemical methods; (6) hormonal and substrate induction of alkaline phosphatase activity in mammalian cell cultures, which produced a nearly parallel rise in inorganic pyrophosphatase activity.
Hydroxyapatite fractionation procedures in the study of the mammalian genome
Authors: McCallum Mora , Walker P. M. B.
Published: August 2015

Three methods of fractionating DNA are described, in which DNA fragments are separated on the basis (1) of their base composition, (2) of the ability of denatured DNA to renature after incubation, and (3) of the presence of intrastrand secondary structure in denatured DNA. The ability of some of these fractions to form specific duplexes with whole denatured DNA isolated from the same and from a different mammal has been investigated. The results are presented to demonstrate how the fractionation procedures described may provide new information about the organization of the mammalian genome.
Inhibitors of caeruloplasmin
Authors: Curzon G. , Speyer Barbara E.
Published: August 2015

1. A method is described by which substances inhibiting caeruloplasmin oxidase activity directly may be distinguished from those acting on stimulatory contaminant iron or on the product of enzyme action. 2. Many previously reported inhibitors, including saturated aliphatic carboxylates, hydrazines, 1,10-phenanthroline, borate and various psycho-active drugs, are found either not to act on the enzyme or to inhibit it only weakly. 3. A series of inorganic anions are compared as inhibitors. Anions such as azide and cyanide with strong copper-binding properties are the most effective inhibitors. There is a general inverse relationship between anion size and inhibitory power. Iodide is anomalous, the order of effectiveness of halides being F−>I−[unk]Cl−>Br−. 4. Multidentate copperchelating ligands have little inhibitory effect. 5. A group of substances containing the structural unit [unk]C=[unk]·CO2H, including fumarate and benzoate, cause inhibition. 6. Relative inhibitions by a series of mono-substituted benzoates are inversely related to molecular size. 7. Results are discussed in relation to earlier work on the disposition and function of the copper atoms of caeruloplasmin.