bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescents’ Daily Perception of Internalizing Emotional States by Means of Smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment
Authors: Kirchner Teresa , Magallón-Neri Ernesto , Ortiz Manuel S. , Planellas Irina , Forns María , Calderón Caterina
Published: December 2017

This study uses ecological momentary assessment (EMA) with smartphone devices to examine community adolescents’ perceptions regarding both the intensity of and variability in their daily sadness/depression, anxiety, and somatic problems over the period of one week. Participants were 90 high-school students (Mage = 14.61, SD = 1.64; range 12–18). The sample was divided according to gender (61.1% girls), migratory status (68.5% Spanish nationals and 31.5% Latin American immigrants), and level of psychological symptoms (17% risk group). Sadness/depression, anxiety, and somatic problems were examined using a smartphone app, five times per day, semi-randomly, for seven days (35 possible moments). A high proportion of adolescents did not report feelings of sadness (80.0%) or worry (79.3%) or physical symptoms on a daily basis (84.9%). Girls and the risk group reported greater intensity levels for the three analyzed problems than did boys and the normal group, respectively (p < .001 in all cases). Migratory status was not associated with any significant differences in the analyzed problems over the one-week period (p > .05 in all cases). Day-to-day fluctuations in mood during the week were statistically significant but not meaningful (b = 0.0004, 95% CI [0.0001, 0.0008], p = .001).
Aggressors and Victims in Bullying and Cyberbullying: A Study of Personality Profiles using the Five-Factor Model
Authors: Alonso Cristina , Romero Estrella
Published: December 2017

Bullying and cyberbullying are highly prevalent in today’s society. However, the personality profiles of different roles involved in this phenomenon remain little known. This study aims (1) to examine the association between bullying and cyberbullying in adolescents; and (2) to analyze the relationship between bullying and cyberbullying in terms of the domains and facets of the five-factor model (FFM). A total of 910 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years old participated. They were administered self-report assessments of aggression and victimization in bullying and cyberbullying, as well as the JS-NEO-S questionnaire. The results provide evidence of co-occurrence between bullying and cyberbullying (p < .001). We observed higher neuroticism in victims and aggressor-victims, higher openness in victims, higher agreeableness in victims and non-aggressor non-victims and higher conscientiousness in non-aggressor non-victims as compared with the rest of the groups (p < .001). Comparison of the four cyberbullying groups showed that cybervictims score higher in neuroticism and openness, cybervictims and non-cybervictims non-cyberaggressors score higher in agreeableness and non-cybervictims non-cyberaggressors score higher in conscientiousness (p < .001) In conclusion, this study provides a broad, systematic view of the personality traits associated with different roles implicated in traditional bullying and cyberbullying.
Parthenolide prevents resistance of MDA-MB231 cells to doxorubicin and mitoxantrone: the role of Nrf2
Authors: Carlisi Daniela , De Blasio Anna , Drago-Ferrante Rosa , Di Fiore Riccardo , Buttitta Giuseppina , Morreale Marco , Scerri Christian , Vento Renza , Tesoriere Giovanni
Published: December 2017

Triple-negative breast cancer is a group of aggressive cancers with poor prognosis owing to chemoresistance, recurrence and metastasis. New strategies are required that could reduce chemoresistance and increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The results presented in this paper, showing that parthenolide (PN) prevents drug resistance in MDA-MB231 cells, represent a contribution to one of these possible strategies. MDA-MB231 cells, the most studied line of TNBC cells, were submitted to selection treatment with mitoxantrone (Mitox) and doxorubicin (DOX). The presence of resistant cells was confirmed through the measurement of the resistance index. Cells submitted to this treatment exhibited a remarkable increment of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) level, which was accompanied by upregulation of catalase, MnSOD, HSP70, Bcl-2 and P-glycoprotein. Moreover, as a consequence of overexpression of Nrf2 and correlated proteins, drug-treated cells exhibited a much lower ability than parental cells to generate ROS in response to a suitable stimulation. The addition of PN (2.0 μM) to Mitox and DOX, over the total selection time, prevented both the induction of resistance and the overexpression of Nrf2 and correlated proteins, whereas the cells showed a good ability to generate ROS in response to adequate stimulation. To demonstrate that Nrf2 exerted a crucial role in the induction of resistance, the cells were transiently transfected with a specific small interfering RNA for Nrf2. Similarly to the effects induced by PN, downregulation of Nrf2 was accompanied by reductions in the levels of catalase, MnSOD, HSP70 and Bcl-2, prevention of chemoresistance and increased ability to generate ROS under stimulation. In conclusion, our results show that PN inhibited the development of the resistance toward Mitox and DOX, and suggest that these effects were correlated with the prevention of the overexpression of Nrf2 and its target proteins, which occurred in the cells submitted to drug treatment.
Metabolic versatility of small archaea Micrarchaeota and Parvarchaeota
Authors: Chen Lin-Xing , Méndez-García Celia , Dombrowski Nina , Servín-Garcidueñas Luis E , Eloe-Fadrosh Emiley A , Fang Bao-Zhu , Luo Zhen-Hao , Tan Sha , Zhi Xiao-Yang , Hua Zheng-Shuang , Martinez-Romero Esperanza , Woyke Tanja , Huang Li-Nan , Sánchez Jesús , Peláez Ana Isabel , Ferrer Manuel , Baker Brett J , Shu Wen-Sheng
Published: December 2017

Small acidophilic archaea belonging to Micrarchaeota and Parvarchaeota phyla are known to physically interact with some Thermoplasmatales members in nature. However, due to a lack of cultivation and limited genomes on hand, their biodiversity, metabolisms, and physiologies remain largely unresolved. Here, we obtained 39 genomes from acid mine drainage (AMD) and hot spring environments around the world. 16S rRNA gene based analyses revealed that Parvarchaeota were only detected in AMD and hot spring habitats, while Micrarchaeota were also detected in others including soil, peat, hypersaline mat, and freshwater, suggesting a considerable higher diversity and broader than expected habitat distribution for this phylum. Despite their small genomes (0.64–1.08 Mb), these archaea may contribute to carbon and nitrogen cycling by degrading multiple saccharides and proteins, and produce ATP via aerobic respiration and fermentation. Additionally, we identified several syntenic genes with homology to those involved in iron oxidation in six Parvarchaeota genomes, suggesting their potential role in iron cycling. However, both phyla lack biosynthetic pathways for amino acids and nucleotides, suggesting that they likely scavenge these biomolecules from the environment and/or other community members. Moreover, low-oxygen enrichments in laboratory confirmed our speculation that both phyla are microaerobic/anaerobic, based on several specific genes identified in them. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses provide insights into the close evolutionary history of energy related functionalities between both phyla with Thermoplasmatales. These results expand our understanding of these elusive archaea by revealing their involvement in carbon, nitrogen, and iron cycling, and suggest their potential interactions with Thermoplasmatales on genomic scale.
Ancestral perinatal obesogen exposure results in a transgenerational thrifty phenotype in mice
Authors: Chamorro-Garcia Raquel , Diaz-Castillo Carlos , Shoucri Bassem M. , Käch Heidi , Leavitt Ron , Shioda Toshi , Blumberg Bruce
Published: December 2017

Ancestral environmental exposures to non-mutagenic agents can exert effects in unexposed descendants. This transgenerational inheritance has significant implications for understanding disease etiology. Here we show that exposure of F0 mice to the obesogen tributyltin (TBT) throughout pregnancy and lactation predisposes unexposed F4 male descendants to obesity when dietary fat is increased. Analyses of body fat, plasma hormone levels, and visceral white adipose tissue DNA methylome and transcriptome collectively indicate that the F4 obesity is consistent with a leptin resistant, thrifty phenotype. Ancestral TBT exposure induces global changes in DNA methylation and altered expression of metabolism-relevant genes. Analysis of chromatin accessibility in F3 and F4 sperm reveals significant differences between control and TBT groups and significant similarities between F3 and F4 TBT groups that overlap with areas of differential methylation in F4 adipose tissue. Our data suggest that ancestral TBT exposure induces changes in chromatin organization transmissible through meiosis and mitosis.
Alloy-assisted deposition of three-dimensional arrays of atomic gold catalyst for crystal growth studies
Authors: Fang Yin , Jiang Yuanwen , Cherukara Mathew J. , Shi Fengyuan , Koehler Kelliann , Freyermuth George , Isheim Dieter , Narayanan Badri , Nicholls Alan W. , Seidman David N. , Sankaranarayanan Subramanian K. R. S. , Tian Bozhi
Published: December 2017

Large-scale assembly of individual atoms over smooth surfaces is difficult to achieve. A configuration of an atom reservoir, in which individual atoms can be readily extracted, may successfully address this challenge. In this work, we demonstrate that a liquid gold–silicon alloy established in classical vapor–liquid–solid growth can deposit ordered and three-dimensional rings of isolated gold atoms over silicon nanowire sidewalls. We perform ab initio molecular dynamics simulation and unveil a surprising single atomic gold-catalyzed chemical etching of silicon. Experimental verification of this catalytic process in silicon nanowires yields dopant-dependent, massive and ordered 3D grooves with spacing down to ~5 nm. Finally, we use these grooves as self-labeled and ex situ markers to resolve several complex silicon growths, including the formation of nodes, kinks, scale-like interfaces, and curved backbones.
Demonstration of ultra-high recyclable energy densities in domain-engineered ferroelectric films
Authors: Cheng Hongbo , Ouyang Jun , Zhang Yun-Xiang , Ascienzo David , Li Yao , Zhao Yu-Yao , Ren Yuhang
Published: December 2017

Dielectric capacitors have the highest charge/discharge speed among all electrical energy devices, but lag behind in energy density. Here we report dielectric ultracapacitors based on ferroelectric films of Ba(Zr0.2,Ti0.8)O3which display high-energy densities (up to 166 J cm–3) and efficiencies (up to 96%). Different from a typical ferroelectric whose electric polarization is easily saturated, these Ba(Zr0.2,Ti0.8)O3films display a much delayed saturation of the electric polarization, which increases continuously from nearly zero at remnant in a multipolar state, to a large value under the maximum electric field, leading to drastically improved recyclable energy densities. This is achieved by the creation of an adaptive nano-domain structure in these perovskite films via phase engineering and strain tuning. The lead-free Ba(Zr0.2,Ti0.8)O3films also show excellent dielectric and energy storage performance over a broad frequency and temperature range. These findings may enable broader applications of dielectric capacitors in energy storage, conditioning, and conversion.
Publisher Correction: Recycled iron fuels new production in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean
Authors: Rafter Patrick A. , Sigman Daniel M. , Mackey Katherine R. M.
Published: December 2017

The original version of this Article contained errors in Fig. 2b and Table 2. In Fig. 2b, the white circle labels were incorrectly positioned as they referred to scenarios that were used in an earlier version of the Article. In Table 2, the following three sentences were removed from the legend ‘The last two calculations are discussed in the “Methods”. The first assumes that all dissolved plus the ≈0.3 nmol kg−1 of particulate iron (measured in the eastern equatorial Pacific30) is bioavailable. The last calculation assumes EUC dissolved iron concentrations from 140° W′. These errors have now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Dynamics of Transformation from Platinum Icosahedral Nanoparticles to Larger FCC Crystal at Millisecond Time Resolution
Authors: Gao Wenpei , Wu Jianbo , Yoon Aram , Lu Ping , Qi Liang , Wen Jianguo , Miller Dean J. , Mabon James C. , Wilson William L. , Yang Hong , Zuo Jian-Min
Published: December 2017

Atomic motion at grain boundaries is essential to microstructure development, growth and stability of catalysts and other nanostructured materials. However, boundary atomic motion is often too fast to observe in a conventional transmission electron microscope (TEM) and too slow for ultrafast electron microscopy. Here, we report on the entire transformation process of strained Pt icosahedral nanoparticles (ICNPs) into larger FCC crystals, captured at 2.5 ms time resolution using a fast electron camera. Results show slow diffusive dislocation motion at nm/s inside ICNPs and fast surface transformation at μm/s. By characterizing nanoparticle strain, we show that the fast transformation is driven by inhomogeneous surface stress. And interaction with pre-existing defects led to the slowdown of the transformation front inside the nanoparticles. Particle coalescence, assisted by oxygen-induced surface migration at T ≥ 300 °C, also played a critical role. Thus by studying transformation in the Pt ICNPs at high time and spatial resolution, we obtain critical insights into the transformation mechanisms in strained Pt nanoparticles.
Genetic Variants of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products in Susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Yang Hualing , Nie Yangyang , Chen Zhenyi , Ye Linyang , Wang Qingxiang , Wang Zhanxiang
Published: December 2017

Diabetes mellitus is frequently comorbid with hypertension, which is approximately twice as common as diabetes mellitus in China. We designed a case-control association study to inspect the susceptibility of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) gene 6 variants to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in 2199 patients with primary hypertension (1252 diabetic cases and 947 nondiabetic controls). The genotypes/alleles of −429T > C and 82Gly > Ser variants differed significantly between the two groups, and their associations with T2DM were significant after Bonferroni correction. Two variants, −374T > A and I/D, showed only marginal associations with T2DM. Haplotype analysis of above 4 significant variants indicated that a low-penetrance haplotype simultaneously bearing −429C and 82Ser alleles was overrepresented in cases relative to controls (4.75% vs. 1.72%, P < 0.001). Moreover, the predictive capability of 6 variants was significantly superior to available risk factors, with better goodness-of-fit. A predictive nomogram of 4 baseline risk factors and 2 variants of statistical significance was structured, with a good predictive accuracy (C-index = 0.761, P < 0.001). Taken together, our findings highlighted a contributory role of the RAGE gene, especially its two functional variants −429T > C and 82Gly > Ser, in susceptibility to T2DM in primary hypertensive patients, which may aid early detection and risk assessment for high-risk individuals.
Laminar flow drag reduction on soft porous media
Authors: Mirbod Parisa , Wu Zhenxing , Ahmadi Goodarz
Published: December 2017

While researches have focused on drag reduction of various coated surfaces such as superhydrophobic structures and polymer brushes, the insights tso understand the fundamental physics of the laminar skin friction coefficient and the related drag reduction due to the formation of finite velocity at porous surfaces is still relatively unknown. Herein, we quantitatively investigated the flow over a porous medium by developing a framework to model flow of a Newtonian fluid in a channel where the lower surface was replaced by various porous media. We showed that the flow drag reduction induced by the presence of the porous media depends on the values of the permeability parameter α = L/(MK)1/2 and the height ratio δ = H/L, where L is the half thickness of the free flow region, H is the thickness and K is the permeability of the fiber layer, and M is the ratio of the fluid effective dynamic viscosity μe in porous media to its dynamic viscosity μ. We also examined the velocity and shear stress profiles for flow over the permeable layer for the limiting cases of α → 0 and α → ∞. The model predictions were compared with the experimental data for specific porous media and good agreement was found.
The consequences of replacing wildlife with livestock in Africa
Authors: Hempson Gareth P. , Archibald Sally , Bond William J.
Published: December 2017

The extirpation of native wildlife species and widespread establishment of livestock farming has dramatically distorted large mammal herbivore communities across the globe. Ecological theory suggests that these shifts in the form and the intensity of herbivory have had substantial impacts on a range of ecosystem processes, but for most ecosystems it is impossible to quantify these changes accurately. We address these challenges using species-level biomass data from sub-Saharan Africa for both present day and reconstructed historical herbivore communities. Our analyses reveal pronounced herbivore biomass losses in wetter areas and substantial biomass increases and functional type turnover in arid regions. Fire prevalence is likely to have been altered over vast areas where grazer biomass has transitioned to above or below the threshold at which grass fuel reduction can suppress fire. Overall, shifts in the functional composition of herbivore communities promote an expansion of woody cover. Total herbivore methane emissions have more than doubled, but lateral nutrient diffusion capacity is below 5% of past levels. The release of fundamental ecological constraints on herbivore communities in arid regions appears to pose greater threats to ecosystem function than do biomass losses in mesic regions, where fire remains the major consumer.
Pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and brain retention of a bispecific antibody-based PET radioligand for imaging of amyloid-β
Authors: Sehlin Dag , Fang Xiaotian T. , Meier Silvio R. , Jansson Malin , Syvänen Stina
Published: December 2017

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have not been used as positron emission tomography (PET) ligands forin vivoimaging of the brain because of their limited passage across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, due to their high affinity and specificity, mAbs may be an attractive option for brain PET if their brain distribution can be facilitated. In the present study, a F(ab’)2fragment of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) protofibril selective mAb158 was chemically conjugated to the transferrin receptor (TfR) antibody 8D3 to enable TfR mediated transcytosis across the BBB. The generated bispecific protein, 8D3-F(ab’)2-h158, was subsequently radiolabeled and used for microPET imaging of Aβ pathology in two mouse models of AD. [124I]8D3-F(ab’)2-h158 was distributed across the BBB several fold more than unmodified mAbs in general and its accumulation in the brain reflected disease progression, while its concentration in blood and other organs remained stable across all age groups studied. Cerebellum was largely devoid of 8D3-F(ab’)2-h158 in young and middle aged mice, while mice older than 18 months also showed some accumulation in cerebellum. In a longer perspective, the use of bispecific antibodies as PET ligands may enablein vivo‘immunohistochemistry’ also of other proteins in the brain for which PET radioligands are lacking.
The Transcriptomic Signature Of Disease Development And Progression Of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Cazanave Sophie , Podtelezhnikov Alexei , Jensen Kristian , Seneshaw Mulugeta , Kumar Divya P. , Min Hae-Ki , Santhekadur Prasanna K. , Banini Bubu , Mauro Adolfo Gabriele , M. Oseini Abdul , Vincent Robert , Tanis Keith Q. , Webber Andrea L. , Wang Liangsu , Bedossa Pierre , Mirshahi Faridoddin , Sanyal Arun J.
Published: December 2017

A longitudinal molecular model of the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) over time is lacking. We have recently validated a high fat/sugar water-induced animal (an isogenic strain of C57BL/6 J:129S1/SvImJ mice) model of NAFLD that closely mimics most aspects of human disease. The hepatic transcriptome of such mice with fatty liver (8 weeks), steatohepatitis with early fibrosis (16–24 weeks) and advanced fibrosis (52 weeks) after initiation of the diet was evaluated and compared to mice on chow diet. Fatty liver development was associated with transcriptional activation of lipogenesis, FXR-RXR, PPAR-α mediated lipid oxidation and oxidative stress pathways. With progression to steatohepatitis, metabolic pathway activation persisted with additional activation of IL-1/inhibition of RXR, granulocyte diapedesis/adhesion, Fc macrophage activation, prothrombin activation and hepatic stellate cell activation. Progression to advanced fibrosis was associated with dampening of metabolic, oxidative stress and cell stress related pathway activation but with further Fc macrophage activation, cell death and turnover and activation of cancer-related networks. The molecular progression of NAFLD involves a metabolic perturbation which triggers subsequent cell stress and inflammation driving cell death and turnover. Over time, inflammation and fibrogenic pathways become dominant while in advanced disease an inflammatory-oncogenic profile dominates.
Model-based genome-wide determination of RNA chain elongation rates in Escherichia coli
Authors: Großmann Peter , Lück Anja , Kaleta Christoph
Published: December 2017

Dynamics in the process of transcription are often simplified, yet they play an important role in transcript folding, translation into functional protein and DNA supercoiling. While the modulation of the speed of transcription of individual genes and its role in regulation and proper protein folding has been analyzed in depth, the functional relevance of differences in transcription speeds as well as the factors influencing it have not yet been determined on a genome-wide scale. Here we determined transcription speeds for the majority ofE. coligenes based on experimental data. We find large differences in transcription speed between individual genes and a strong influence of both cellular location as well as the relative importance of genes for cellular function on transcription speeds. Investigating factors influencing transcription speeds we observe both codon composition as well as factors associated to DNA topology as most important factors influencing transcription speeds. Moreover, we show that differences in transcription speeds are sufficient to explain the timing of regulatory responses during environmental shifts and highlight the importance of the consideration of transcription speeds in the design of experiments measuring transcriptomic responses to perturbations.
The Role of Personality and Subjective Exposure Experiences in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Symptoms among Children Following Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Chen Xiacan , Xu Jiajun , Li Bin , Li Na , Guo Wanjun , Ran Mao-Sheng , Zhang Jun , Yang Yanchun , Hu Junmei
Published: December 2017

This study aims to investigate the role of personality traits and subjective exposure experiences in posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms. In Qingchuan, 21,652 children aged 7 to 15 years were assessed using face-to-face interviews one year after the Wenchuan earthquake in China. The Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, a modified earthquake exposure scale, the UCLA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index (adolescent), and the Adolescent Depression Inventory were used to assess personality characteristics, trauma experiences, posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms, respectively. The measurement was completed with 20,749 children. After adjusting for other factors by multinomial logistic regression analysis, neuroticism, having felt unable to escape from the disaster and having been trapped for a longer time were risk factors of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms. Socialization was a protective factor of them. Having felt extreme panic or fear was a risk factor of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. For depression symptoms, introversion and psychoticism were risk factors, and extraversion was a protective factor. This study was conducted with the largest representative sample of child survivors of a natural, devastating disaster in a developing country. These results could be useful for planning psychological intervention strategies for children and for influencing further research.
New insights into the mechanism of nickel superoxide degradation from studies of model peptides
Authors: Tietze Daniel , Sartorius Jana , Koley Seth Banabithi , Herr Kevin , Heimer Pascal , Imhof Diana , Mollenhauer Doreen , Buntkowsky Gerd
Published: December 2017

A series of small, catalytically active metallopeptides, which were derived from the nickel superoxide dismutase (NiSOD) active site were employed to study the mechanism of superoxide degradation especially focusing on the role of the axial imidazole ligand. In the literature, there are contradicting propositions about the catalytic importance of the N-terminal histidine. Therefore, we studied the stability and activity of a set of eight NiSOD model peptides, which represent the major model systems discussed in the literature to date, yet differing in their length and their Ni-coordination. UV-Vis-coupled stopped-flow kinetic measurements and mass spectrometry analysis unveiled their high oxidation sensitivity in the presence of oxygen and superoxide resulting into a much faster Ni(II)-peptide degradation for the amine/amide Ni(II) coordination than for the catalytically inactive bis-amidate Ni(II) coordination. With respect to these results we determined the catalytic activities for all NiSOD mimics studied herein, which turned out to be in almost the same range of about 2 × 106 M−1 s−1. From these experiments, we concluded that the amine/amide Ni(II) coordination is clearly the key factor for catalytic activity. Finally, we were able to clarify the role of the N-terminal histidine and to resolve the contradictory literature propositions, reported in previous studies.
Transcriptome analysis of Brachypodium during fungal pathogen infection reveals both shared and distinct defense responses with wheat
Authors: Powell Jonathan J. , Carere Jason , Sablok Gaurav , Fitzgerald Timothy L. , Stiller Jiri , Colgrave Michelle L. , Gardiner Donald M. , Manners John M. , Vogel John P. , Henry Robert J. , Kazan Kemal
Published: December 2017

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) of wheat and barley, predominantly caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum, is a disease of economic significance. The quantitative nature of FCR resistance within cultivated wheat germplasm has significantly limited breeding efforts to enhanced FCR resistance in wheat. In this study, we characterized the molecular responses of Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium hereafter) to F. pseudograminearum infection using RNA-seq to determine whether Brachypodium can be exploited as a model system towards better understanding of F. pseudograminearum-wheat interaction. The transcriptional response to infection in Brachypodium was strikingly similar to that previously reported in wheat, both in shared expression patterns of wheat homologs of Brachypodium genes and functional overlap revealed through comparative gene ontology analysis in both species. Metabolites produced by various biosynthetic pathways induced in both wheat and Brachypodium were quantified, revealing a high degree of overlap between these two species in metabolic response to infection but also showed Brachypodium does not produce certain defence-related metabolites found in wheat. Functional analyses of candidate genes identified in this study will improve our understanding of resistance mechanisms and may lead to the development of new strategies to protect cereal crops from pathogen infection.
Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIR Modulates MiR-206-mediated Bcl-w Signaling to Facilitate Cell Proliferation in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ding Wei , Ren Jin , Ren Hui , Wang Dan
Published: December 2017

LncRNA HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) is involved in lots of cancers. The pro-survival protein Bcl-w is frequently found in cancer development. However, the effect of HOTAIR on Bcl-w in breast cancer is not well documented. In this study, we first evaluated the correlation between HOTAIR level and Bcl-w expression in clinical breast cancer tissues. We observed that the expression levels of Bcl-w were much higher in the breast cancer samples than that in their paired noncancerous tissues. Moreover, the levels of HOTAIR were positively associated with those of Bcl-w in clinical breast cancer samples. As expected, we observed that HOTAIR was able to up-regulate the expression of Bcl-w in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, we found that miR-206 was capable of inhibiting the expression of Bcl-w by directly binding to the 3′UTR of Bcl-w mRNA. Interestingly, HOTAIR could increase the expression of Bcl-w through sequestering miR-206 at post-transcriptional level. Functionally, our data showed that HOTAIR-induced Bcl-w by miR-206 facilitated the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Thus, we conclude that HOTAIR up-regulates Bcl-w to enhance cell proliferation through sequestering miR-206 in breast cancer. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism of breast cancer mediated by HOTAIR.
Probenecid arrests the progression of pronounced clinical symptoms in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hainz Nadine , Wolf Sandra , Beck Artjom , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Tschernig Thomas , Meier Carola
Published: December 2017

While it has been established that Probenecid (PBN) prevents the onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice, it is not clear whether it has any effect on already manifest EAE. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the therapeutic effect of PBN in pronounced EAE. Mice with manifest clinical symptoms of EAE were either treated with PBN or solvent for 20 days, or they were left untreated. The clinical symptoms were monitored daily. Inflammation, demyelination and oligodendrocyte numbers were determined in the spinal cord. We were able to demonstrate that PBN not only significantly prolonged survival but also prevented the progression of clinical symptoms in the EAE model of multiple sclerosis. In addition, we were able to show that PBN reduced inflammation, T cell infiltration and oligodendrocyte cell loss. PBN was previously shown to inhibit – among other targets – pannexin channels. As pannexin channels provide conduits for ATP, are associated with the inflammasome, and act as “find me-signals” in the process of apoptosis, inhibition of pannexins via PBN might contribute to the PBN-effects observed in this study. The beneficial and therapeutic effects of PBN in the context of EAE demonstrate an intriguing link between PBN and neuroinflammation, which might foster translational interest.
Effect of the preparation of lime putties on their properties
Authors: Navrátilová Eva , Tihlaříková Eva , Neděla Vilém , Rovnaníková Pavla , Pavlík Jaroslav
Published: December 2017

In the study of lime as the basic component of historical mortars and plasters, four lime putties prepared from various kinds of lime of various granulometry and by various ways of preparation were evaluated. The rheological properties and micro-morphologic changes, growing of calcite crystals, and rate of carbonation were monitored. The lime putty prepared from lump lime achieves the best rheological properties, yield stress 214.7 Pa and plastic viscosity 2.6 Pa·s. The suitability of this lime putty was checked by testing the development of calcium hydroxide and calcite crystals using scanning electron microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy. The disordered crystals of calcium hydroxide exhibit better carbonation resulting in the large crystals of calcite; therefore, the mortar prepared from the lump lime has the highest flexural strength and compressive strength 0.8/2.5 MPa, its carbonation is the fastest and exhibits the longest durability. Also, thanks to the micro-morphological characterization of samples in their native state by means of environmental scanning electron microscopy, the new way of lime putty preparation by mixing was proven. The preparation consists in the mechanical crash of the lime particles immediately after hydration. This enables the properties of putty prepared from lump lime to be nearly reached.
Structure and Dynamics of Cas9 HNH Domain Catalytic State
Authors: Zuo Zhicheng , Liu Jin
Published: December 2017

The bacterial CRISPR-Cas9 immune system has been harnessed as a powerful and versatile genome-editing tool and holds immense promise for future therapeutic applications. Despite recent advances in understanding Cas9 structures and its functional mechanism, little is known about the catalytic state of the Cas9 HNH nuclease domain, and identifying how the divalent metal ions affect the HNH domain conformational transition remains elusive. A deeper understanding of Cas9 activation and its cleavage mechanism can enable further optimization of Cas9-based genome-editing specificity and efficiency. Using two distinct molecular dynamics simulation techniques, we have obtained a cross-validated catalytically active state of Cas9 HNH domain primed for cutting the target DNA strand. Moreover, herein we demonstrate the essential roles of the catalytic Mg2+ for the active state formation and stability. Importantly, we suggest that the derived catalytic conformation of the HNH domain can be exploited for rational engineering of Cas9 variants with enhanced specificity.
Remote control of resistive switching in TiO2 based resistive random access memory device
Authors: Sahu Dwipak Prasad , Jammalamadaka S. Narayana
Published: December 2017

We report on the magnetic field control of a bipolar resistive switching in Ag/TiO2/FTO based resistive random access memory device through I–V characteristics. Essentially, in the presence of magnetic field and in the low resistance state, an abrupt change in the resistance of the device demands higher voltage, hinting that residual Lorentz force plays a significant role in controlling the resistance state. Endurance characteristics of the device infer that there is no degradation of the device even after repeated cycling, which ensures that the switching of resistance between ‘off’ and ‘on’ states is reproducible, reversible and controllable. Magnetic field control of ‘on’ and ‘off’ states in endurance characteristics suggest that this device can be controlled in a remote way for multi-bit data storage.
Digital-PCR for gene expression: impact from inherent tissue RNA degradation
Authors: Millier Melanie J. , Stamp Lisa K. , Hessian Paul A.
Published: December 2017

Subtle molecular differences indicate the heterogeneity present in a number of disease settings. Digital-PCR (dPCR) platforms achieve the necessary levels of sensitivity and accuracy over standard quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) that promote their use for such situations, detecting low abundance transcript and subtle changes from gene expression. An underlying requisite is good quality RNA, principally dictated by appropriate tissue handling and RNA extraction. Here we consider the application of dPCR to measures of gene expression in pathological tissues with inherent necrosis, focusing on rheumatoid subcutaneous nodules. Variable RNA fragmentation is a feature of RNA from such tissues. Increased presence of transcript fragmentation is reflected in a proportionate decrease in Agilent DV200 metric and downstream, a reduction in endogenous control genes’ expression, measured by RT-dPCR. We show that normalisation of target gene expression to that for endogenous control genes sufficiently corrects for the variable level of fragmented RNA. Recovery of target gene values was achieved in samples comprising as much as 50 percent fragmented RNA, indicating the suitability and appropriate limitation of such data treatment when applied to samples obtained from inherently necrotic tissues.
Ionophore-based optical nanosensors incorporating hydrophobic carbon dots and a pH-sensitive quencher dye for sodium detection
Authors: Galyean A. A. , Behr M. R. , Cash K. J.
Published: December 2017

We describe stable sodium-selective optical nanosensors containing carbon dots and a pH-sensitive quencher molecule.
QCM-nanomagnetic beads biosensor for lead ion detection
Authors: Zhang Qingli , Cui Haixia , Xiong Xingliang , Chen Jun , Wang Ying , Shen Jia , Luo Yiting , Chen Longcong
Published: December 2017

A QCM biosensor combined with NMBs has been proposed for Pb2+detection with a lower detection limit of 0.3 pM.
Highly sensitive and selective detection of Pd2+ ions using a ferrocene–rhodamine conjugate triple channel receptor in aqueous medium and living cells
Authors: Huang Dan-Dan , Zhao Mei , Lv Xue-Xin , Xing Yang-Yang , Chen De-Zhan , Guo Dian-Shun
Published: December 2017

A novel ferrocene–rhodamine conjugate receptor has been developed for efficient triple-channel detection of Pd2+ in aqueous medium and living cells.
Solid phase extraction of α-tocopherol and other physiologically active components from sunflower oil using rationally designed polymers
Authors: Alghamdi E. M. , Whitcombe M. J. , Piletsky S. A. , Piletska E. V.
Published: December 2017

A rationally designed polymer (RDP) capable of recognizing α-tocopherol and other minor components in sunflower oil has been produced.
Polymorphism of griseofulvin: concomitant crystallization from the melt and a single crystal structure of a metastable polymorph with anomalously large thermal expansion
Authors: Su Yuan , Xu Jia , Shi Qin , Yu Lian , Cai Ting
Published: December 2017

Single crystal structure of the metastable polymorph of griseofulvin with anomalously large thermal expansion.
Palladium-catalyzed carbene/alkyne metathesis with enynones as carbene precursors: synthesis of fused polyheterocycles
Authors: Zheng Yang , Bao Ming , Yao Ruwei , Qiu Lihua , Xu Xinfang
Published: December 2017

An unprecedented palladium-catalyzed carbene/alkyne metathesis reaction of alkyne-tethered enynones is described, which delivers fused-furans in moderate to good yields.
Photocatalytic hydrogenation of azobenzene to hydrazobenzene on cadmium sulfide under visible light irradiation
Authors: Shiraishi Yasuhiro , Katayama Miyu , Hashimoto Masaki , Hirai Takayuki
Published: December 2017

Visible light irradiation of commercially-available CdS in alcohol successfully promotes selective azobenzene-to-hydrazobenzene reduction, where surface S vacancies play a crucial role for activity and selectivity.
Efficient synthesis of benzocyclotrimer analogues by Negishi cross-coupling and intramolecular nucleophilic substitution
Authors: Borges-González Jorge , Martín Tomás
Published: December 2017

The Negishi cross-coupling reaction and intramolecular O-alkylations provide flexible and functionalized benzocyclotrimers.
Fluorescence-based detection of nitroaromatics using a luminescent second sphere adduct self-assembled by charge-assisted hydrogen bonds
Authors: Duan Wen-Long , Wang Hao-Cheng , Martí-Rujas Javier , Guo Fang
Published: December 2017

Photo-luminescent metal organic materials self-assembled via second sphere coordination using luminescent ligands show good selectivity to detect trace amounts of nitroaromatics.
Scattering defect in large diameter titanium-doped sapphire crystals grown by the Kyropoulos technique
Authors: Alombert-Goget Guillaume , Guyot Yannick , Nehari Abdeldjelil , Benamara Omar , Blanchard Nicholas , Brenier Alain , Barthalay Nicolas , Lebbou Kheirreddine
Published: December 2017

The convex interface shape in Kyropoulos-grown crystals is suggested to be responsible for the scattering defect in large diameter titanium sapphire.
Nonradiative dynamics determined by charge transfer induced hydrogen bonding: a combined femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence and density functional theoretical study of methyl dimethylaminobenzoate in water
Authors: Ma Chensheng , Ou Yue-Qun , Chan Chris Tsz-Leung , Wong Allen Ka-Wa , Chan Ruth Chau-Ting , Chung Bowie Po-Yee , Jiang Chao , Wang Ming-Liang , Kwok Wai-Ming
Published: December 2017

Hydrogen bonding with water alters nonradiative pathway of a twisted charge transfer state in methyl dimethylaminobenzoate.
Electronic structure of α-sexithiophene ultrathin films grown on
Authors: Ohno Shinya , Tanaka Hiroya , Tanaka Kazuma , Takahashi Kazutoshi , Tanaka Masatoshi
Published: December 2017

We investigated the electronic states of α-sexithiophene (α-6T) on by means of angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation.
Unravelling the hydrophobicity of urea in water using thermodiffusion: implications for protein denaturation
Authors: Niether Doreen , Di Lecce Silvia , Bresme Fernando , Wiegand Simone
Published: December 2017

Sensitivity of thermodiffusion to urea–water interactions was studied experimentally and by NEMD simulations, identifying the hydrophobic behaviour of urea.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of Cu3SbS4 flower-like hierarchical architectures composed of Cl doped nanoflakes via an in situ generated CuS template
Authors: Wang Qun , Li Jianhuan , Li Jianjun
Published: December 2017

We demonstrated the introduction of Cl to thermoelectric chlorine (Cl−)-doped Cu3SbS4 nanoflakes by a one-pot in situ CuS template solution approach. An approximately eightfold improvement in the power factor (380 μW m−1 K−2) is observed for chlorine (Cl−)-doped Cu3SbS4 as compared to Cu3SbS4 without Cl doping at 500 K.
The anharmonic quartic force field infrared spectra of hydrogenated and methylated PAHs
Authors: Mackie Cameron J. , Candian Alessandra , Huang Xinchuan , Maltseva Elena , Petrignani Annemieke , Oomens Jos , Buma Wybren Jan , Lee Timothy J. , Tielens Alexander G. G. M.
Published: December 2017

Reproducing and explaining the complex infrared spectra of functionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons through proper treatment of Fermi resonances.
Effect of topography-dependent light coupling through a near-field aperture on the local photocurrent of a solar cell
Authors: Cao Zhao , Ermes Markus , Lehnen Stephan , Carius Reinhard , Bittkau Karsten
Published: December 2017

We demonstrate the strong impact of the interaction between the probe and nanoscopic surface features on the result of a-SNOM-based measurements.
Interfacial and thermal energy driven growth and evolution of Langmuir–Schaefer monolayers of Au-nanoparticles
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Mala , Hazra S.
Published: December 2017

Substrate surface energy (γ) controls the initial structures of Langmuir–Schaefer monolayers of Au-nanoparticles, while the competitive room temperature thermal energy (kT) and the change in interfacial energy (Δγ) decide their time evolution under ambient conditions.
Electroanalytical study of dopamine oxidation on carbon electrodes: from the macro- to the micro-scale
Authors: Lin Chuhong , Chen Lifu , Tanner Eden E. L. , Compton Richard G.
Published: December 2017

The oxidation of dopamine in strongly acidic (pH = 0) solution is investigated using microdisc, microcylinder and macro-electrodes together with a range of voltage scan rates.
Square transition-metal carbides MC6 (M = Mo, W) as stable two-dimensional Dirac cone materials
Authors: Liu Peng-Fei , Wu Yang , Bo Tao , Hou Ling , Xu Juping , Zhang Hui-jie , Wang Bao-Tian
Published: December 2017

We identify the existence of Dirac cones in 2D square transition-metal carbides MC6 (M = Mo, W) with an ultrahigh Fermi velocity comparable to that of graphene.
Correction: Formic acid catalyzed isomerization of protonated cytosine: a lower barrier reaction for tautomer production of potential biological importance
Authors: Jin Lingxia , Lv Mengdan , Zhao Mengting , Wang Rui , Zhao Caibin , Lu Jiufu , Wang Ling , Wang Wenliang , Wei Yawen
Published: December 2017

Correction for ‘Formic acid catalyzed isomerization of protonated cytosine: a lower barrier reaction for tautomer production of potential biological importance’ by Lingxia Jin et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 13515–13523.
Alternative to visbreaking or delayed coking of heavy crude oil through a short contact time, solid transported bed cracking process
Authors: Corma Canós Avelino , Sauvanaud Laurent , Mathieu Yannick , Almanza Rubiano Luis , Gonzalez Sanchez Carlos , Chanaga Quiroz Tania
Published: December 2017

Treating extra heavy crude with a low catalytic activity solid in an FCC-like process yielded a superior liquid product without yield loss compared to thermal operation.
A highly stable indium based metal organic framework for efficient arsenic removal from water
Authors: Atallah Hala , ELcheikh Mahmoud Mahmoud , Ali Feysal M. , Lough Alan , Hmadeh Mohamad
Published: December 2017

Indium based metal organic framework crystals (AUBM-1) were successfully synthesizedviaa solvothermal synthesis process. SXRD analysis showed the production of a new In-MOF structure with aptstopology. AUBM-1 was shown to be chemically stable and was used as an adsorbent to efficiently remove arsenic from water.
Na11Sn2PS12: a new solid state sodium superionic conductor
Authors: Zhang Z. , Ramos E. , Lalère F. , Assoud A. , Kaup K. , Hartman P. , Nazar Linda F.
Published: December 2017

Elucidation of the structure of a new sodium superionic conductor, Na11Sn2PS12via single crystal XRD and AIMD simulations reveal isotropic 3D Na+-ion conduction pathways.
A catalyst-free, waste-less ethanol-based solvothermal synthesis of amides
Authors: Dalu Francesca , Scorciapino Mariano A. , Cara Claudio , Luridiana Alberto , Musinu Anna , Casu Mariano , Secci Francesco , Cannas Carla
Published: December 2017

A green, one-pot ethanol-based solvothermal amidation of carboxylic acids which does not require catalysts or coupling reagents.
Recyclable Cu/C3N4 composite catalysed homo- and cross-coupling of terminal alkynes under mild conditions
Authors: Xu Hang , Wu Keying , Tian Jing , Zhu Li , Yao Xiaoquan
Published: December 2017

A facile, practical and recyclable Cu–N–C composite catalyst with good catalytic activity for both homo- & cross-coupling of terminal alkynes.
Improvement of sample introduction to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry using an ultrasonic nebulizer with an infrared heated pre-evaporation tube
Authors: Anderlini Tia K. , Beauchemin Diane
Published: December 2017

Replacing the desolvation system of an ultrasonic nebulizer with an infrared-heated pre-evaporation tube at 300 °C improves robustness without jeopardizing sensitivity.
Mobilization of iron from ferritin: new steps and details
Authors: La A. , Nguyen T. , Tran K. , Sauble E. , Tu D. , Gonzalez A. , Kidane T. Z. , Soriano C. , Morgan J. , Doan M. , Tran K. , Wang C.-Y. , Knutson M. D. , Linder M. C.
Published: December 2017

Much evidence indicates that iron stored in ferritin is mobilized through protein degradation in lysosomes, but concerns about this process have lingered, and mechanistic details of its aspects are lacking.
Group 6 transition metal dichalcogenide nanomaterials: synthesis, applications and future perspectives
Authors: Samadi Morasae , Sarikhani Navid , Zirak Mohammad , Zhang Hua , Zhang Hao-Li , Moshfegh Alireza Z.
Published: December 2017

Looking at the science and production methods of group 6 transition metal dichalcogenide (MoS2, WSe2,etc.) nanomaterials from the viewpoint of technological applications.
Controllable and green synthesis of robust graphene aerogels with tunable surface properties for oil and dye adsorption
Authors: Qiu Lijuan , Wan Wenchao , Tong Zhongqiu , Zhang Ruiyang , Li Lina , Zhou Ying
Published: December 2017

Robust graphene aerogels with tunable surface properties are hydrothermally prepared using vitamin C at different pHs for oil and dye adsorption.