bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In silico analyses of deleterious missense SNPs of human apolipoprotein E3
Authors: Pires Allan S. , Porto William F. , Franco Octavio L. , Alencar Sérgio A.
Published: May 2017

ApoE3 is the major chylomicron apolipoprotein, binding in a specific liver peripheral cell receptor, allowing transport and normal catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein constituents. Point mutations in ApoE3 have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease, type III hyperlipoproteinemia, atherosclerosis, telomere shortening and impaired cognitive function. Here, we evaluate the impact of missense SNPs in APOE retrieved from dbSNP through 16 computational prediction tools, and further evaluate the structural impact of convergent deleterious changes using 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations. We have found structural changes in four analyzed variants (Pro102Arg, Arg132Ser, Arg176Cys and Trp294Cys), two of them (Pro102Arg and Arg176Cys) being previously associated with human diseases. In all cases, except for Trp294Cys, there was a loss in the number of hydrogen bonds between CT and NT domains that could result in their detachment. In conclusion, data presented here could increase the knowledge of ApoE3 activity and be a starting point for the study of the impact of variations on APOE gene.
Quaternary fluvial terraces of the Tiber Valley: geochronologic and geometric constraints on the back-arc magmatism-related uplift in central Italy
Authors: Marra Fabrizio , Florindo Fabio , Petronio Carmelo
Published: May 2017

Through a geomorphological study relying on statistically assessed classes of hilltop elevations, we reconstruct a suite of paleo-surfaces along the Tiber River Valley north of Rome that we identify as fluvial terraces formed by interplay between global sea-level fluctuations and regional upift. Using biostratigraphic constraints provided by marine through continental deposits of Santernian age, we recognize the oldest terrace in this area, corresponding to an early coastal plain of late Santernian-Emilian age. By assuming the simple chronological principle of a staircase geometry we correlate the sea-level highstands of MIS 21 through MIS 5 with the lowest eight paleo-surfaces. By plotting against time the cumulated terrace elevations and the average elevation of the Santernian coastline in the investigated area, we detect rates of uplift during the last 1.8 Ma. Two major pulses of uplift are recognized 0.86 through 0.5 Ma, and 0.25 Ma through the Present, which are interpreted as driven by the subduction process and uprising of metasomatized magma bodies on the Tyrrhenian Sea Margin of central Italy, superimposied on a smaller isostatic component of uplift.
Positive regulatory role of sound vibration treatment in Arabidopsis thaliana against Botrytis cinerea infection
Authors: Choi Bosung , Ghosh Ritesh , Gururani Mayank Anand , Shanmugam Gnanendra , Jeon Junhyun , Kim Jonggeun , Park Soo-Chul , Jeong Mi-Jeong , Han Kyung-Hwan , Bae Dong-Won , Bae Hanhong
Published: May 2017

Sound vibration (SV), a mechanical stimulus, can trigger various molecular and physiological changes in plants like gene expression, hormonal modulation, induced antioxidant activity and calcium spiking. It also alters the seed germination and growth of plants. In this study, we investigated the effects of SV on the resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana against Botrytis cinerea infection. The microarray analysis was performed on infected Arabidopsis plants pre-exposed to SV of 1000 Hertz with 100 decibels. Broadly, the transcriptomic analysis revealed up-regulation of several defense and SA-responsive and/or signaling genes. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of selected genes also validated the induction of SA-mediated response in the infected Arabidopsis plants pre-exposed to SV. Corroboratively, hormonal analysis identified the increased concentration of salicylic acid (SA) in the SV-treated plants after pathogen inoculation. In contrast, jasmonic acid (JA) level in the SV-treated plants remained stable but lower than control plants during the infection. Based on these findings, we propose that SV treatment invigorates the plant defense system by regulating the SA-mediated priming effect, consequently promoting the SV-induced resistance in Arabidopsis against B. cinerea.
Quantum realization of the bilinear interpolation method for NEQR
Authors: Zhou Ri-Gui , Hu Wenwen , Fan Ping , Ian Hou
Published: May 2017

In recent years, quantum image processing is one of the most active fields in quantum computation and quantum information. Image scaling as a kind of image geometric transformation has been widely studied and applied in the classical image processing, however, the quantum version of which does not exist. This paper is concerned with the feasibility of the classical bilinear interpolation based on novel enhanced quantum image representation (NEQR). Firstly, the feasibility of the bilinear interpolation for NEQR is proven. Then the concrete quantum circuits of the bilinear interpolation including scaling up and scaling down for NEQR are given by using the multiply Control-Not operation, special adding one operation, the reverse parallel adder, parallel subtractor, multiplier and division operations. Finally, the complexity analysis of the quantum network circuit based on the basic quantum gates is deduced. Simulation result shows that the scaled-up image using bilinear interpolation is clearer and less distorted than nearest interpolation.
Targeted radionuclide therapy with astatine-211: Oxidative dehalogenation of astatobenzoate conjugates
Authors: Teze David , Sergentu Dumitru-Claudiu , Kalichuk Valentina , Barbet Jacques , Deniaud David , Galland Nicolas , Maurice Rémi , Montavon Gilles
Published: May 2017

211At is a most promising radionuclide for targeted alpha therapy. However, its limited availability and poorly known basic chemistry hamper its use. Based on the analogy with iodine, labelling is performed via astatobenzoate conjugates, but in vivo deastatination occurs, particularly when the conjugates are internalized in cells. Actually, the chemical or biological mechanism responsible for deastatination is unknown. In this work, we show that the C−At “organometalloid” bond can be cleaved by oxidative dehalogenation induced by oxidants such as permanganates, peroxides or hydroxyl radicals. Quantum mechanical calculations demonstrate that astatobenzoates are more sensitive to oxidation than iodobenzoates, and the oxidative deastatination rate is estimated to be about 6 × 106 faster at 37 °C than the oxidative deiodination one. Therefore, we attribute the “internal” deastatination mechanism to oxidative dehalogenation in biological compartments, in particular lysosomes.
Host-specific assembly of sponge-associated prokaryotes at high taxonomic ranks
Authors: Steinert Georg , Rohde Sven , Janussen Dorte , Blaurock Claudia , Schupp Peter J.
Published: May 2017

Sponges (Porifera) are abundant and diverse members of benthic filter feeding communities in most marine ecosystems, from the deep sea to tropical reefs. A characteristic feature is the associated dense and diverse prokaryotic community present within the sponge mesohyl. Previous molecular genetic studies revealed the importance of host identity for the community composition of the sponge-associated microbiota. However, little is known whether sponge host-specific prokaryotic community patterns observed at 97% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity are consistent at high taxonomic ranks (from genus to phylum level). In the present study, we investigated the prokaryotic community structure and variation of 24 sponge specimens (seven taxa) and three seawater samples from Sweden. Results show that the resemblance of prokaryotic communities at different taxonomic ranks is consistent with patterns present at 97% operational taxonomic unit level.
Substrate Rigidity Controls Activation and Durotaxis in Pancreatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Lachowski Dariusz , Cortes Ernesto , Pink Daniel , Chronopoulos Antonios , Karim Saadia A. , P. Morton Jennifer , del Río Hernández Armando E.
Published: May 2017

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy characterised by the presence of extensive desmoplasia, thought to be responsible for the poor response of patients to systemic therapies. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are key mediators in the production of this fibrotic stroma, upon activation transitioning to a myofibroblast-like, high matrix secreting phenotype. Given their importance in disease progression, characterisation of PSC activation has been extensive, however one aspect that has been overlooked is the mechano-sensing properties of the cell. Here, through the use of a physiomimetic system that recapitulates the mechanical microenvironment found within healthy and fibrotic pancreas, we demonstrate that matrix stiffness regulates activation and mechanotaxis in PSCs. We show the ability of PSCs to undergo phenotypic transition solely as a result of changes in extracellular matrix stiffness, whilst observing the ability of PSCs to durotactically respond to stiffness variations within their local environment. Our findings implicate the mechanical microenvironment as a potent contributor to PDAC progression and survival via induction of PSC activation and fibrosis, suggesting that direct mechanical reprogramming of PSCs may be a viable alternative in the treatment of this lethal disease.
Close linkage between serum uric acid and cardiac dysfunction in patients with ischemic heart disease according to covariance structure analysis
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiro , Nagoshi Tomohisa , Kawai Makoto , Uno Goki , Ito Satoshi , Yoshii Akira , Kimura Haruka , Inoue Yasunori , Ogawa Kazuo , Tanaka Toshikazu D. , Minai Kosuke , Ogawa Takayuki , Yoshimura Michihiro
Published: May 2017

High serum uric acid (UA) level has been assumed to be a risk factor for left ventricular (LV) dysfunction; however, the precise relationship between these conditions has not been fully examined because many confounding factors are associated with UA level. We herein examined the precise relationship by proposing structural equation models. The study population consisted of 1432 cases with ischemic heart disease who underwent cardiac catheterization. Multiple regression analyses and covariance structure analyses were performed to elucidate the cause-and-effect relationship between UA level and LV ejection fraction (LVEF). A path model exploring the factors contributing to LVEF showed that high UA was a significant cause of reduced LVEF (P = 0.004), independent of other significant factors. The degree of atherosclerosis, as estimated by the number of diseased coronary vessels, was significantly affected by high UA (P = 0.005); and the number of diseased coronary vessels subsequently led to reduced LVEF (P < 0.001). Another path model exploring the factors contributing to UA level showed that LVEF was a significant cause of high UA (P = 0.001), while other risk factors were also independent contributing factors. This study clearly demonstrated that there was a close link between high UA and LV dysfunction, which was represented by possible cause-and-effect relationship.
Endometriosis foci differentiation by rapid lipid profiling using tissue spray ionization and high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Chagovets Vitaliy V. , Wang Zhihao , Kononikhin Alexey S. , Starodubtseva Natalia L. , Borisova Anna , Salimova Dinara , Popov Igor A. , Kozachenko Andrey V. , Chingin Konstantin , Chen Huanwen , Frankevich Vladimir E. , Adamyan Leila V. , Sukhikh Gennady T.
Published: May 2017

Obtaining fast screening information on molecular composition of a tissue sample is of great importance for a disease biomarkers search and for online surgery control. In this study, high resolution mass spectrometry analysis of eutopic and ectopic endometrium tissues (90 samples) is done using direct tissue spray mass spectrometry in both positive and negative ion modes. The most abundant peaks in the both ion modes are those corresponding to lipids. Species of three lipid classes are observed, phosphatidylcholines (PC), sphingomyelins (SM) and phosphoethanolamines (PE). Direct tissue analysis gives mainly information on PC and SM lipids (29 species) in positive ion mode and PC, SM and PE lipids (50 species) in negative ion mode which gives complementary data for endometriosis foci differentiation. The biggest differences were found for phospholipids with polyunsaturated acyls and alkils. Although, tissue spray shows itself as appropriate tool for tissue investigation, caution should be paid to the interpretation of mass spectra because of their higher complexity with more possible adducts formation and multiple interferences must be taken into account. The present work extends the application of direct tissue analysis for the rapid differentiation between endometriotic tissues of different foci.
Thermally evaporated indium-free, transparent, flexible SnO2/AgPdCu/SnO2 electrodes for flexible and transparent thin film heaters
Authors: Kim Doo-Hee , Cho Kyung-Su , Kim Han-Ki
Published: May 2017

We investigated the characteristics of themally evaporated SnO2/Ag-Pd-Cu (APC)/SnO2 multilayer films for applications as damage-free, indium-free, flexible, and transparent electrodes for high performance flexible and transparent thin film heaters (TFHs). The top and bottom SnO2 layers and APC interlayer were prepared by a multi-source evaporation process, and the effect of the thickness of each layer on the resistivity, optical transmittance, and mechanical flexibility of the SnO2/APC/SnO2 electrodes was investigated in detail. Based on a figure of merit value, we obtained a SnO2/APC/SnO2 electrode with a low sheet resistance of 9.42 Ohm/square and a high optical transmittance of 91.14%. In addition, we examined the mechanical properties of the SnO2/APC/SnO2 electrode using various bending tests such as inner bending, outer bending, dynamic fatigue, and a twisting test. By comparing the crack shape of the SnO2/APC/SnO2 electrode bent beyond the critical bending radius (2~3 mm), we suggest a possible crack formation mechanism for the SnO2/APC/SnO2 electrodes. Furthermore, we evaluated the feasibility of the SnO2/APC/SnO2 electrodes for flexible and transparent TFHs. By correlating the sheet resistance of the SnO2/APC/SnO2 electrode and the performance of TFHs, we show the importance of transparent electrodes for high performance flexible and transparent TFHs.
Peptide Markers for Rapid Detection of KPC Carbapenemase by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Wang Honghui , Drake Steven K. , Youn Jung-Ho , Rosenberg Avi Z. , Chen Yong , Gucek Marjan , Suffredini Anthony F. , Dekker John P.
Published: May 2017

Carbapenemase producing organisms (CPOs) represent an urgent public health threat, and the need for new rapid methods to detect these organisms has been widely recognized. CPOs carrying the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (bla
KPC
) gene have caused outbreaks globally with substantial attributable mortality. Here we describe the validation of a rapid MS method for the direct detection of unique tryptic peptides of the KPC protein in clinical bacterial isolates with an isolate-to-result time of less than 90 minutes. Using a genoproteomic discovery approach that combines theoretical peptidome analysis and liquid chromatography-tandem MS (LC-MS/MS), we selected three high abundance peptide markers of the KPC protein that can be robustly detected following rapid tryptic digestion. Protein BLAST analysis confirmed that the chosen peptide markers were unique to KPC. A blinded validation set containing 20 KPC-positive and 80 KPC-negative clinical isolates, performed in triplicate (300 runs) demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity (60/60 positive identifications, 240/240 negative identifications) using defined rules for positive calls. The most robust tryptic peptide marker in the validation was LTLGSALAAPQR. The peptide discovery and detection methods validated here are general and should be broadly applicable to allow the direct and rapid detection of other resistance determinants.
Building early-larval sexing systems for genetic control of the Australian sheep blow fly Lucilia cuprina using two constitutive promoters
Authors: Yan Ying , Linger Rebecca J. , Scott Maxwell J.
Published: May 2017

Transgenic sexing strains (TSS) that carry conditional female lethal genes are advantageous for genetic control programs based on the sterile insect technique (SIT). It is desirable if females die early in development as larval diet is a major cost for mass production facilities. This can be achieved by using a gene promoter that is only active in embryos to drive expression of the tetracycline transactivator (tTA), the transcription factor commonly used in two-component TSS. While an embryo-specific promoter is ideal it may not be essential for assembling an effective TSS as tTA can be repressed by addition of tetracycline to the diet at larval and/or adult stages. Here we have investigated this idea by isolating and employing the promoters from the Lucilia spitting image and actin 5C genes to drive tTA expression in embryos and later stages. L. cuprina TSS with the tTA drivers and tTA-regulated tetO-Lshid effectors produced only females when raised on a limited tetracycline diet. The Lshid transgene contains a sex-specific intron and as a consequence only females produce LsHID protein. TSS females died at early larval stages, which makes the lines advantageous for an SIT program.
Sex-specific responses to winter flooding, spring waterlogging and post-flooding recovery in Populus deltoides
Authors: Miao Ling-Feng , Yang Fan , Han Chun-Yu , Pu Yu-Jin , Ding Yang , Zhang Li-Jia
Published: May 2017

Winter flooding events are common in some rivers and streams due to dam constructions, and flooding and waterlogging inhibit the growth of trees in riparian zones. This study investigated sex-specific morphological, physiological and ultrastructural responses to various durations of winter flooding and spring waterlogging stresses, and post-flooding recovery characteristics in Populus deltoides. There were no significant differences in the morphological, ultrastructural and the majority of physiological traits in trees subjected to medium and severe winter flooding stresses, suggesting that males and females of P. deltoides were winter flooding tolerant, and insensitive to winter flooding duration. Males were more tolerant to winter flooding stress in terms of photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence than females. Females displayed greater oxidative damage due to flooding stress than males. Males developed more efficient antioxidant enzymatic systems to control reactive oxygen species. Both sexes had similarly strong post-flooding recovery capabilities in terms of plant growth, and physiological and ultrastructural parameters. However, Males had better recovery capabilities in terms of pigment content. These results increase the understanding of poplars’s adaptation to winter flooding stress. They also elucidate sex-specific differences in response to flooding stress during the dormant season, and during post-flooding recovery periods.
Identification of a small molecule that primes the type I interferon response to cytosolic DNA
Authors: Khiar Samira , Lucas-Hourani Marianne , Nisole Sébastien , Smith Nikaïa , Helynck Olivier , Bourgine Maryline , Ruffié Claude , Herbeuval Jean-Philippe , Munier-Lehmann Hélène , Tangy Frédéric , Vidalain Pierre-Olivier
Published: May 2017

The type I interferon response plays a pivotal role in host defense against infectious agents and tumors, and promising therapeutic approaches rely on small molecules designed to boost this system. To identify such compounds, we developed a high-throughput screening assay based on HEK-293 cells expressing luciferase under the control of Interferon-Stimulated Response Elements (ISRE). An original library of 10,000 synthetic compounds was screened, and we identified a series of 1H-benzimidazole-4-carboxamide compounds inducing the ISRE promoter sequence, specific cellular Interferon-Stimulated Genes (ISGs), and the phosphorylation of Interferon Regulatory Factor (IRF) 3. ISRE induction by ChX710, a prototypical member of this chemical series, was dependent on the adaptor MAVS and IRF1, but was IRF3 independent. Although it was unable to trigger type I IFN secretion per se, ChX710 efficiently primed cellular response to transfected plasmid DNA as assessed by potent synergistic effects on IFN-β secretion and ISG expression levels. This cellular response was dependent on STING, a key adaptor involved in the sensing of cytosolic DNA and immune activation by various pathogens, stress signals and tumorigenesis. Our results demonstrate that cellular response to cytosolic DNA can be boosted with a small molecule, and potential applications in antimicrobial and cancer therapies are discussed.
Persistent spatial structuring of coastal ocean acidification in the California Current System
Authors: Chan F. , Barth J. A. , Blanchette C. A. , Byrne R. H. , Chavez F. , Cheriton O. , Feely R. A. , Friederich G. , Gaylord B. , Gouhier T. , Hacker S. , Hill T. , Hofmann G. , McManus M. A. , Menge B. A. , Nielsen K. J. , Russell A. , Sanford E. , Sevadjian J. , Washburn L.
Published: May 2017

The near-term progression of ocean acidification (OA) is projected to bring about sharp changes in the chemistry of coastal upwelling ecosystems. The distribution of OA exposure across these early-impact systems, however, is highly uncertain and limits our understanding of whether and how spatial management actions can be deployed to ameliorate future impacts. Through a novel coastal OA observing network, we have uncovered a remarkably persistent spatial mosaic in the penetration of acidified waters into ecologically-important nearshore habitats across 1,000 km of the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem. In the most severe exposure hotspots, suboptimal conditions for calcifying organisms encompassed up to 56% of the summer season, and were accompanied by some of the lowest and most variable pH environments known for the surface ocean. Persistent refuge areas were also found, highlighting new opportunities for local adaptation to address the global challenge of OA in productive coastal systems.
Structural insights into the elevator-like mechanism of the sodium/citrate symporter CitS
Authors: Kim Ji Won , Kim Subin , Kim Songwon , Lee Haerim , Lee Jie-Oh , Jin Mi Sun
Published: May 2017

The sodium-dependent citrate transporter of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KpCitS) belongs to the 2-hydroxycarboxylate transporter (2-HCT) family and allows the cell to use citrate as sole carbon and energy source in anaerobic conditions. Here we present crystal structures of KpCitS in citrate-bound outward-facing, citrate-bound asymmetric, and citrate-free inward-facing state. The structures reveal that the KpCitS dimerization domain remains stationary throughout the transport cycle due to a hydrogen bond network as well as extensive hydrophobic interactions. In contrast, its transport domain undergoes a ~35° rigid-body rotation and a ~17 Å translocation perpendicular to the membrane to expose the substrate-binding site alternately to either side of the membrane. Furthermore, homology models of two other 2-HCT proteins based on the KpCitS structure offer structural insights into their differences in substrate specificity at a molecular level. On the basis of our results and previous biochemical data, we propose that the activity of the 2-HCT CitS involves an elevator-like movement in which the transport domain itself traverses the lipid bilayer, carrying the substrate into the cell in a sodium-dependent manner.
Insight into climate change from the carbon exchange of biocrusts utilizing non-rainfall water
Authors: Ouyang Hailong , Hu Chunxiang
Published: May 2017

Biocrusts are model ecosystems of global change studies. However, light and non-rainfall water (NRW) were previously few considered. Different biocrust types further aggravated the inconsistence. So carbon-exchange of biocrusts (cyanobacteria crusts-AC1/AC2; cyanolichen crust-LC1; chlorolichen crust-LC2; moss crust-MC) utilizing NRW at various temperatures and light-intensities were determined under simulated and insitu mesocosm experiments. Carbon input of all biocrusts were negatively correlated with experimental temperature under all light-intensity with saturated water and stronger light with equivalent NRW, but positively correlated with temperature under weak light with equivalent NRW. LCPs and R/Pg of AC1 were lowest, followed in turn by AC2, LC2 and MC. Thus AC1 had most opportunities to use NRW, and 2.5 °C warming did cause significant changes of carbon exchange. Structural equation models further revealed that air-temperature was most important for carbon-exchange of ACs, but equally important as NRW for LC2 and MC; positive influence of warming on carbon-input in ACs was much stronger than the latter. Therefore, temperature effect on biocrust carbon-input depends on both moisture and light. Meanwhile, the role of NRW, transitional states between ACs, and obvious carbon-fixation differences between lichen crusts should be fully considered in the future study of biocrusts responding to climate change.
Novel Locally Active Estrogens Accelerate Cutaneous Wound Healing-Part 2
Authors: Brufani Mario , Rizzi Nicoletta , Meda Clara , Filocamo Luigi , Ceccacci Francesca , D’Aiuto Virginia , Bartoli Gabriele , Bella Angela La , Migneco Luisa M. , Bettolo Rinaldo Marini , Leonelli Francesca , Ciana Paolo , Maggi Adriana
Published: May 2017

Estrogen deprivation is associated with delayed healing, while estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) accelerates acute wound healing and protects against development of chronic wounds. However, current estrogenic molecules have undesired systemic effects, thus the aim of our studies is to generate new molecules for topic administration that are devoid of systemic effects. Following a preliminary study, the new 17β-estradiol derivatives 1 were synthesized. The estrogenic activity of these novel compounds was evaluated in vitro using the cell line ERE-Luc B17 stably transfected with an ERE-Luc reporter. Among the 17β-estradiol derivatives synthesized, compounds 1e and 1f showed the highest transactivation potency and were therefore selected for the study of their systemic estrogenic activity. The study of these compounds in the ERE-Luc mouse model demonstrated that both compounds lack systemic effects when administered in the wound area. Furthermore, wound-healing experiments showed that 1e displays a significant regenerative and anti-inflammatory activity. It is therefore confirmed that this class of compounds are suitable for topical administration and have a clear beneficial effect on wound healing.
Establishment of the model system between phytochemicals and gene expression profiles in Macrosclereid cells of Medicago truncatula
Authors: Fu Fuyou , Zhang Wentao , Li Yuan-Yuan , Wang Hong Li
Published: May 2017

Macrosclereid cells, which are a layer in the seed coat of Medicago truncatula, accumulate large amounts of phytochemicals during their development. But little is known about the complex and dynamic changes during macrosclereid cell development. To characterize the phytochemicals and the related gene expression during the development of M. truncatula macrosclereid cells, a high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) assay and microarray study were conducted on transcriptome changes from macrosclereid cell during seed development. A total of 16 flavonoids by HPLC-MS and 4861 genes exhibited significant differences at transcript levels by microarray analysis were identified for macrosclerid cells at six different time points during seed development. 815 abiotic and biotic stress genes, 223 transcriptional factors (TFs), and 155 annotated transporter proteins exhibited differential expression during the development of macrosclereid cells. A total of 102 genes were identified as involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, phenypropanoid biosynthesis, and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis. We performed a weighted gene co-regulatory network (WGCNA) to analyze the gene-flavonoid association and rebuilt the gene regulatory network during macrosclereid cell development. Our studies revealed that macrosclereid cells are, beside as the first barrier of defense against diseases, an excellent model system to investigate the regulatory network that governs flavonoid biosynthesis.
Sex differences in the clinical characteristics and brain gray matter volume alterations in unmedicated patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Yang Xiao , Peng Zugui , Ma Xiaojuan , Meng Yajing , Li Mingli , Zhang Jian , Song Xiuliu , Liu Ye , Fan Huanhuan , Zhao Liansheng , Deng Wei , Li Tao , Ma Xiaohong
Published: May 2017

This study was to explore the sex differences in clinical characteristics and brain gray matter volume (GMV) alterations in 29 male patients with major depressive disorder (MDDm), 53 female patients with MDD (MDDf), and in 29 male and 53 female matched healthy controls. Maps of GMV were constructed using magnetic resonance imaging data and compared between groups. We evaluated clinical symptoms using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and obtained a total score and five syndrome scores. A two-factor ANCOVA model was specified using SPM8, with sex and diagnosis as the between-subject factors. We found that: (1) significant GMV increase in the left cerebellum and GMV reduction in the bilateral middle temporal gyrus and left ventral medial prefrontal gyrus occurred selectively in male patients, while the GMV reduction in the left lingual gyrus and dorsal medial prefrontal gyrus occurred selectively in female patients; (2) MDDf may have experienced more severe sleep disturbance than MDDm; and (3) the severity of sleep symptom could be predicted by the sex specific brain structural alterations in depressions. These findings suggest that sex specific anatomical alterations existed in MDD, and these alterations were associated with the clinical symptoms.
Layer-dependent semiconductor-metal transition of SnO/Si(001) heterostructure and device application
Authors: Xiao Chengcheng , Wang Fang , Wang Yao , Yang Shengyuan A. , Jiang Jianzhong , Yang Ming , Lu Yunhao , Wang Shijie , Feng Yuanping
Published: May 2017

As the downscaling of electronic devices continues, the problems of leakage currents and heat dissipation become more and more serious. To address these issues, new materials and new structures are explored. Here, we propose an interesting heterostructure made of ultrathin SnO layers on Si(001) surface. Our first-principle calculations show that a single layer of SnO on Si(001) surface is a semiconductor, but a bilayer SnO on the same surface is metallic. This metal-semiconductor dichotomy allows construction of single-2D-material-based electronic devices with low contact resistance and low leakage currents. In particular, due to the interaction between Sn and the Si substrate, the semiconducting monolayer-SnO/Si(001) has a highly anisotropic band structure with a much lighter hole effective mass along one direction than that of Si and most other 2D materials, indicating a high carrier mobility. Furthermore, by combining density functional theory and nonequilibrium Green’s function method, we directly investigate the transport characteristics of a field effect transistor based on the proposed heterostructures, which shows very low contact resistance, negligible leakage current, and easy gate control at a compact channel length.
A PPARγ-dependent miR-424/503-CD40 axis regulates inflammation mediated angiogenesis
Authors: Lee Aram , Papangeli Irinna , Park Youngsook , Jeong Ha-neul , Choi Jihea , Kang Hyesoo , Jo Ha-neul , Kim Jongmin , Chun Hyung J.
Published: May 2017

Activation of the endothelium by pro-inflammatory stimuli plays a key role in the pathogenesis of a multitude of vascular diseases. Angiogenesis is a crucial component of the vascular response associated with inflammatory signaling. The CD40/CD40 ligand dyad in endothelial cells (EC) has a central role in promoting vascular inflammatory response; however, the molecular mechanism underlying this component of inflammation and angiogenesis is not fully understood. Here we report a novel microRNA mediated suppression of endothelial CD40 expression. We found that CD40 is closely regulated by miR-424 and miR-503, which directly target its 3′ untranslated region. Pro-inflammatory stimuli led to increased endothelial CD40 expression, at least in part due to decreased miR-424 and miR-503 expression. In addition, miR-424 and miR-503 reduced LPS induced EC sprouting, migration and tube formation. Moreover, we found that miR-424 and miR-503 expression is directly regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), whose endothelial expression and activity are decreased in response to inflammatory factors. Finally, we demonstrate that mice with endothelial-specific deletion of miR-322 (miR-424 ortholog) and miR-503 have augmented angiogenic response to LPS in a Matrigel plug assay. Overall, these studies identify a PPARγ-dependent miR-424/503-CD40 signaling axis that is critical for regulation of inflammation mediated angiogenesis.
Serum extracellular vesicle depletion processes affect release and infectivity of HIV-1 in culture
Authors: Liao Zhaohao , Muth Dillon C. , Eitan Erez , Travers Meghan , Learman Lisa N. , Lehrmann Elin , Witwer Kenneth W.
Published: May 2017

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in intercellular communication and affect processes including immune and antiviral responses. Blood serum, a common cell culture medium component, is replete with EVs and must be depleted prior to EV-related experiments. The extent to which depletion processes deplete non-EV particles is incompletely understood, but depleted serum is associated with reduced viability and growth in cell culture. Here, we examined whether serum depleted by two methods affected HIV-1 replication. In cell lines, including HIV-1 latency models, increased HIV-1 production was observed, along with changes in cell behavior and viability. Add-back of ultracentrifuge pellets (enriched in EVs but possibly other particles) rescued baseline HIV-1 production. Primary cells were less sensitive to serum depletion processes. Virus produced under processed serum conditions was more infectious. Finally, changes in cellular metabolism, surface markers, and gene expression, but not miRNA profiles, were associated with depleted serum culture. In conclusion, depleted serum conditions have a substantial effect on HIV-1 production and infectivity. Dependence of cell cultures on “whole serum” must be examined carefully along with other experimental variables, keeping in mind that the effects of EVs may be accompanied by or confused with those of closely associated or physically similar particles.
Structural Color Filters Enabled by a Dielectric Metasurface Incorporating Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Nanodisks
Authors: Park Chul-Soon , Shrestha Vivek Raj , Yue Wenjing , Gao Song , Lee Sang-Shin , Kim Eun-Soo , Choi Duk-Yong
Published: May 2017

It is advantageous to construct a dielectric metasurface in silicon due to its compatibility with cost-effective, mature processes for complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor devices. However, high-quality crystalline-silicon films are difficult to grow on foreign substrates. In this work, we propose and realize highly efficient structural color filters based on a dielectric metasurface exploiting hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H), known to be lossy in the visible regime. The metasurface is comprised of an array of a-Si:H nanodisks embedded in a polymer, providing a homogeneously planarized surface that is crucial for practical applications. The a-Si:H nanodisk element is deemed to individually support an electric dipole (ED) and magnetic dipole (MD) resonance via Mie scattering, thereby leading to wavelength-dependent filtering characteristics. The ED and MD can be precisely identified by observing the resonant field profiles with the assistance of finite-difference time-domain simulations. The completed color filters provide a high transmission of around 90% in the off-resonance band longer than their resonant wavelengths, exhibiting vivid subtractive colors. A wide range of colors can be facilitated by tuning the resonance by adjusting the structural parameters like the period and diameter of the a-Si:H nanodisk. The proposed devices will be actively utilized to implement color displays, imaging devices, and photorealistic color printing.
Dielectric meta-atom with tunable resonant frequency temperature coefficient
Authors: Wu Lingling , Xi Xiaoqing , Li Bo , Zhou Ji
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we present a proof-of-concept of a new approach to achieving tailored resonant frequency temperature coefficients in dielectric meta-atoms. The technique involves introducing a thermally expanding or contracting material joining the active high permittivity dielectric absorbers. Both simulation and experiment show that by careful design of the element size and appropriate choice of thermomechanical intermediate layer material, increased or decreased resonant frequency shift temperature sensitivity is possible. Once the active dielectric material is chosen, and a meta-atom design determined, we show the resonant frequency shift depends on the thermal expansion coefficient of the intermediate layer. This work demonstrates the feasibility of manipulating the blue or red shift of metamaterial devices by introducing temperature responsive intermediate layers into meta-atoms.
History and Physics of Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Schasfoort Richard B. M.
Published: May 2017

In this chapter, the history of SPR is described and the physical background of SPR from the basics to advanced is treated. Terms such as surface plasmons, evanescent field, propagation length, and lateral resolution are explained in detail. Various optical configurations of SPR instruments are also presented. The conventional, well-understood planar SPR theory, which is implemented in various commercial biosensors and used in applications for biomolecular interaction sensing, is outlined.
Strategies for Building Protein–Glycosaminoglycan Interaction Networks Combining SPRi, SPR, and BLI
Authors: Vallet Sylvain D. , Deddens Lisette , Vonarburg Arnaud , Salza Romain , Faye Clément , Aranyos Attila , Thierry-Mieg Nicolas , Ricard-Blum Sylvie
Published: May 2017

Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are complex, linear polysaccharides that are covalently linked to proteins to form proteoglycans. They are located in the extracellular matrix and at the cell surface and interact with many proteins. More than 400 interactions have been reported for heparin/heparan sulfate and these interactions are involved in numerous biological processes such as development, angiogenesis, tumor growth, host–pathogen interactions and inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly, cell–matrix interactions and signaling. The building of GAG–protein interaction networks is required to determine how these individual interactions influence each other in vivo, are coordinated in biological processes, and are altered in diseases. This chapter reports the roadmap designed to build and analyze these interaction networks. New interactions were identified by surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) using a Biacore Flexchip system and were combined with data manually curated from the literature to build a GAG–protein network. The values of equilibrium dissociation constants and of association and dissociation rates, calculated by SPR and biolayer interferometry (BLI), were integrated into the network. The network was then analyzed in silico to determine the biological processes and pathways associated with GAG partners.
A first-principles study on the adsorption of ethylenediamine on Ge(100)
Authors: Kim Do Hwan , Hong Suklyun
Published: May 2017

Row-bridged dual-dative bonding of a bifunctional molecule bridging adjacent dimer rows of semiconductor surfaces.
Monitoring focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation dynamics in live cells
Authors: Damayanti Nur P. , Buno Kevin , Narayanan Nagarajan , Voytik Harbin Sherry L. , Deng Meng , Irudayaraj Joseph M. K.
Published: May 2017

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic non-receptor tyrosine kinase essential for a diverse set of cellular functions. FAK FLIM-peptide biosensor enables real-time monitoring of FAK phopshorylation activity.
A facile microwave-hydrothermal synthesis of fluorescent carbon quantum dots from bamboo tar and their application
Authors: Liang Qian , Wang Yulin , Lin Fengcai , Jiang Maosheng , Li Pengfei , Huang Biao
Published: May 2017

A simple and rapid approach that can effectively convert bamboo tar into carbon quantum dots (CQDs) was developed and this kind of CQD was adopted for the selective detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP).
Magnetic field application or mechanical stimulation via magnetic microparticles does not enhance chondrogenesis in mesenchymal stem cell sheets
Authors: Dikina A. D. , Lai B. P. , Cao M. , Zborowski M. , Alsberg E.
Published: May 2017

Neither magnetic fields (variable or static) nor magnetically-induced mechanical stimulationviamagnetic microparticles influenced hMSC chondrogenesis in tissue engineered cartilage sheets.
Coordination strategy-induced selective C–H amination of 8-aminoquinolines
Authors: Yi Hong , Chen Hong , Bian Changliang , Tang Zilu , Singh Atul K. , Qi Xiaotian , Yue Xiaoyu , Lan Yu , Lee Jyh-Fu , Lei Aiwen
Published: May 2017

Using coordination-strategy, we realized a selective C–H amination of 8-aminoquinolins on the C5 position employing azoles as amines sources.
A NiCo2O4@Ni–Co–Ci core–shell nanowire array as an efficient electrocatalyst for water oxidation at near-neutral pH
Authors: Ge Ruixiang , Ma Min , Ren Xiang , Qu Fengli , Liu Zhiang , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Chen Liang , Zheng Baozhan , Sun Xuping
Published: May 2017

Core–shell structured NiCo2O4@Ni–Co–Ci/CC drives 10 mA cm−2 at 309 mV overpotential for water oxidation in 1.0 M K–Ci.
Fano resonances in the photoinduced H-atom elimination dynamics in the πσ* states of pyrrole
Authors: Grebenshchikov Sergy Yu. , Picconi David
Published: May 2017

The interference is supported by two distinct dynamical scenarios controlled by two exit channel conical intersections between the πσ* states and the ground electronic state.
Direct and cluster-assisted dehydrogenation of methane by Nb+ and Ta+: a theoretical investigation
Authors: Sicilia Emilia , Mazzone Gloria , Pérez-González Adriana , Pirillo Jenny , Galano Annia , Heine Thomas , Russo Nino
Published: May 2017

DFT calculations have been performed to examine both direct and cluster-assisted methane C–H bond activation by Nb+ and Ta+ cations.
Microelectrode voltammetry of multi-electron transfers complicated by coupled chemical equilibria: a general theory for the extended square scheme
Authors: Laborda Eduardo , Gómez-Gil José María , Molina Angela
Published: May 2017

A general, analytical solution for the voltammetry of the extended square scheme is deduced, applicable to any technique and electrode geometry.
Titanium coordination compounds: from discrete metal complexes to metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Assi Hala , Mouchaham Georges , Steunou Nathalie , Devic Thomas , Serre Christian
Published: May 2017

Recent advances in titanium based MOFs and relevant titanium molecular compounds will be discussed in this review. Particular attention will be devoted to their promising photoredox properties.
Low temperature total oxidation of toluene by bimetallic Au–Ir catalysts
Authors: Torrente-Murciano Laura , Solsona Benjamín , Agouram Saïd , Sanchis Rut , López José Manuel , García Tomás , Zanella Rodolfo
Published: May 2017

Intimate contact between gold and iridium nanoparticles supported on TiO2 provides a synergetic effect leading to low temperature VOC oxidation activity.
Room temperature silylation of alcohols catalyzed by metal organic frameworks
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Santiago-Portillo Andrea , Concepción Patricia , Herance José R. , Navalón Sergio , Alvaro Mercedes , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: May 2017

Commercial Al(OH)(BDC) (BDC: 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid) is a suitable heterogeneous catalyst for the silylation of benzylic and aliphatic alcohols by hexamethyldisilazane in toluene at room temperature.
Interactions and stabilisation of acetone, sulfur dioxide and water with 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [OMIM][BF4] at low temperatures
Authors: Buckley Matthew , Syres Karen L. , Jones Robert G.
Published: May 2017

After heating the acetone under the porous [OMIM][BF4] to 120 K, the acetone diffuses into pores lined with octyl chains (destabilised acetone) and pores lined with ions (stabilised acetone).
Rational design and optimization of selenophenes with basic side chains as novel potent selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) for breast cancer therapy
Authors: Luo Junjie , Hu Zhiye , Xiao Yuan , Yang Tongxin , Dong Chune , Huang Jian , Zhou Hai-Bing
Published: May 2017

Selenophenes with basic side chains showed excellent antagonist activity for ERs and increased antiproliferative activity than that of 4OHT in MCF-7 cells.
Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of multi-functional homoisoflavonoid derivatives as potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B and cholinesterase for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Liu Qiao-Hong , Wu Jia-Jia , Li Fan , Cai Pei , Yang Xue-Lian , Kong Ling-Yi , Wang Xiao-Bing
Published: May 2017

Homoisoflavonoid derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as multi-functional anti-Alzheimer's agents.
Enhanced oxidation resistance and electrical conductivity copper nanowires–graphene hybrid films for flexible strain sensors
Authors: Zhu Yu , Hu Yougen , Zhu Pengli , Zhao Tao , Liang Xianwen , Sun Rong , Wong Ching-ping
Published: May 2017

Enhanced oxidation resistance and electrical conductivity copper nanowires–graphene hybrid films were fabricated and which exhibited high sensitivity as flexible strain sensors to monitor human motions.
A β-diketonate–europium(iii) complex-based fluorescent probe for highly sensitive time-gated luminescence detection of copper and sulfide ions in living cells
Authors: Wang Yiren , Wang Huan , Zhao Xing , Jin Yuting , Xiong Houqing , Yuan Jingli , Wu Jing
Published: May 2017

A strongly fluorescent β-diketonate–europium(iii) complex was developed for highly sensitive imaging of intracellular copper and sulfide ions with time-gated luminescence mode.
Rotaxanes composed of dibenzo-24-crown-8 and macrocyclic transition metal complexing tetraimine units
Authors: Tomczyk Karolina M. , Woźny Mateusz , Domagała Sławomir , Wiȩckowska Agnieszka , Pawłowska Joanna , Woźniak Krzysztof , Korybut-Daszkiewicz Bohdan
Published: May 2017

New rotaxanes, composed of dibenzo-24-crown-8 and the axle containing two tetraazamacrocyclic Ni and/or Cu units, adopt either folded or extended conformations and di-Ni-rotaxanes exhibit a shuttling effect of DB24C8.
Synthesis and electrochemical and antioxidant properties of chalcogenocyanate oxadiazole and 5-heteroarylchalcogenomethyl-1H-tetrazole derivatives
Authors: Leal Julliano G. , Sauer André C. , Mayer João C. P. , Stefanello Sílvio T. , Gonçalves Débora F. , Soares Felix A. A. , Iglesias Bernardo A. , Back Davi F. , Rodrigues Oscar E. D. , Dornelles Luciano
Published: May 2017

This article presents the 5-heteroarylchalcogenomethyl-1H-tetrazoles, which were synthesized in high yields.
Insights into the chemistry of bismuth nanoparticles
Authors: Branca Marlène , Corp Kathryn , Ciuculescu-Pradines Diana , Coppel Yannick , Lecante Pierre , Amiens Catherine
Published: May 2017

Alkynyl ligands are proposed as new stabilizing agents for bismuth nanoparticles.
Reductive dechlorination of endosulfan isomers and its metabolites by zero-valent metals: reaction mechanism and degradation products
Authors: Singh Swatantra P. , Bose Purnendu
Published: May 2017

Degradation by-products of organochlorine pesticide endosulfan and metabolites by different zero valent metals.