bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscopic origins of the terahertz carrier relaxation and cooling dynamics in graphene
Authors: Mihnev Momchil T. , Kadi Faris , Divin Charles J. , Winzer Torben , Lee Seunghyun , Liu Che-Hung , Zhong Zhaohui , Berger Claire , de Heer Walt A. , Malic Ermin , Knorr Andreas , Norris Theodore B.
Published: May 2016

The ultrafast dynamics of hot carriers in graphene are key to both understanding of fundamental carrier–carrier interactions and carrier–phonon relaxation processes in two-dimensional materials, and understanding of the physics underlying novel high-speed electronic and optoelectronic devices. Many recent experiments on hot carriers using terahertz spectroscopy and related techniques have interpreted the variety of observed signals within phenomenological frameworks, and sometimes invoke extrinsic effects such as disorder. Here, we present an integrated experimental and theoretical programme, using ultrafast time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy combined with microscopic modelling, to systematically investigate the hot-carrier dynamics in a wide array of graphene samples having varying amounts of disorder and with either high or low doping levels. The theory reproduces the observed dynamics quantitatively without the need to invoke any fitting parameters, phenomenological models or extrinsic effects such as disorder. We demonstrate that the dynamics are dominated by the combined effect of efficient carrier–carrier scattering, which maintains a thermalized carrier distribution, and carrier–optical–phonon scattering, which removes energy from the carrier liquid.
A lateral signalling pathway coordinates shape volatility during cell migration
Authors: Zhang Liang , Luga Valbona , Armitage Sarah K. , Musiol Martin , Won Amy , Yip Christopher M. , Plotnikov Sergey V. , Wrana Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2016

Cell migration is fundamental for both physiological and pathological processes. Migrating cells usually display high dynamics in morphology, which is orchestrated by an integrative array of signalling pathways. Here we identify a novel pathway, we term lateral signalling, comprised of the planar cell polarity (PCP) protein Pk1 and the RhoGAPs, Arhgap21/23. We show that the Pk1–Arhgap21/23 complex inhibits RhoA, is localized on the non-protrusive lateral membrane cortex and its disruption leads to the disorganization of the actomyosin network and altered focal adhesion dynamics. Pk1-mediated lateral signalling confines protrusive activity and is regulated by Smurf2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase in the PCP pathway. Furthermore, we demonstrate that dynamic interplay between lateral and protrusive signalling generates cyclical fluctuations in cell shape that we quantify here as shape volatility, which strongly correlates with migration speed. These studies uncover a previously unrecognized lateral signalling pathway that coordinates shape volatility during productive cell migration.
Macrofossil evidence for a rapid and severe Cretaceous–Paleogene mass extinction in Antarctica
Authors: Witts James D. , Whittle Rowan J. , Wignall Paul B. , Crame J. Alistair , Francis Jane E. , Newton Robert J. , Bowman Vanessa C.
Published: May 2016

Debate continues about the nature of the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) mass extinction event. An abrupt crisis triggered by a bolide impact contrasts with ideas of a more gradual extinction involving flood volcanism or climatic changes. Evidence from high latitudes has also been used to suggest that the severity of the extinction decreased from low latitudes towards the poles. Here we present a record of the K–Pg extinction based on extensive assemblages of marine macrofossils (primarily new data from benthic molluscs) from a highly expanded Cretaceous–Paleogene succession: the López de Bertodano Formation of Seymour Island, Antarctica. We show that the extinction was rapid and severe in Antarctica, with no significant biotic decline during the latest Cretaceous, contrary to previous studies. These data are consistent with a catastrophic driver for the extinction, such as bolide impact, rather than a significant contribution from Deccan Traps volcanism during the late Maastrichtian.
A zwitterionic gel electrolyte for efficient solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Peng Xu , Liu Huili , Yin Qin , Wu Junchi , Chen Pengzuo , Zhang Guangzhao , Liu Guangming , Wu Changzheng , Xie Yi
Published: May 2016

Gel electrolytes have attracted increasing attention for solid-state supercapacitors. An ideal gel electrolyte usually requires a combination of advantages of high ion migration rate, reasonable mechanical strength and robust water retention ability at the solid state for ensuring excellent work durability. Here we report a zwitterionic gel electrolyte that successfully brings the synergic advantages of robust water retention ability and ion migration channels, manifesting in superior electrochemical performance. When applying the zwitterionic gel electrolyte, our graphene-based solid-state supercapacitor reaches a volume capacitance of 300.8 F cm−3 at 0.8 A cm−3 with a rate capacity of only 14.9% capacitance loss as the current density increases from 0.8 to 20 A cm−3, representing the best value among the previously reported graphene-based solid-state supercapacitors, to the best of our knowledge. We anticipate that zwitterionic gel electrolyte may be developed as a gel electrolyte in solid-state supercapacitors.
Erratum: Inhaler technique: facts and fantasies. A view from the Aerosol Drug Management Improvement Team (ADMIT)
Authors: Levy Mark L , Dekhuijzen PNR , Barnes PJ , Broeders M , Corrigan CJ , Chawes BL , Corbetta L , Dubus JC , Hausen Th , Lavorini F , Roche N , Sanchis J , Usmani Omar S , Viejo J , Vincken W , Voshaar Th , Crompton GK , Pedersen Soren
Published: May 2016

Correction to: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine (2016) 26, 16017; doi:10.1038/npjpcrm.2016.17; published online 21 April 2016 Since the online publication of the above article, it has been noted that references 87 and 88 were described as observational studies, when in fact they were randomisedcontrolled trials.
Drug vaping applied to cannabis: Is “Cannavaping” a therapeutic alternative to marijuana?
Authors: Varlet Vincent , Concha-Lozano Nicolas , Berthet Aurélie , Plateel Grégory , Favrat Bernard , De Cesare Mariangela , Lauer Estelle , Augsburger Marc , Thomas Aurélien , Giroud Christian
Published: May 2016

Therapeutic cannabis administration is increasingly used in Western countries due to its positive role in several pathologies. Dronabinol or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) pills, ethanolic cannabis tinctures, oromucosal sprays or table vaporizing devices are available but other cannabinoids forms can be used. Inspired by the illegal practice of dabbing of butane hashish oil (BHO), cannabinoids from cannabis were extracted with butane gas and the resulting concentrate (BHO) was atomized with specific vaporizing devices. The efficiency of “cannavaping,” defined as the “vaping” of liquid refills for e-cigarettes enriched with cannabinoids, including BHO, was studied as an alternative route of administration for therapeutic cannabinoids. The results showed that illegal cannavaping would be subjected to marginal development due to the poor solubility of BHO in commercial liquid refills (especially those with high glycerin content). This prevents the manufacture of liquid refills with high BHO concentrations adopted by most recreational users of cannabis to feel the psychoactive effects more rapidly and extensively. Conversely, “therapeutic cannavaping” could be an efficient route for cannabinoids administration because less concentrated cannabinoids-enriched liquid refills are required. However, the electronic device marketed for therapeutic cannavaping should be carefully designed to minimize potential overheating and contaminant generation.
Once daily administration of the SGLT2 inhibitor, empagliflozin, attenuates markers of renal fibrosis without improving albuminuria in diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Gallo Linda A. , Ward Micheal S. , Fotheringham Amelia K. , Zhuang Aowen , Borg Danielle J. , Flemming Nicole B. , Harvie Ben M. , Kinneally Toni L. , Yeh Shang-Ming , McCarthy Domenica A. , Koepsell Hermann , Vallon Volker , Pollock Carol , Panchapakesan Usha , Forbes Josephine M.
Published: May 2016

Blood glucose control is the primary strategy to prevent complications in diabetes. At the onset of kidney disease, therapies that inhibit components of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) are also indicated, but these approaches are not wholly effective. Here, we show that once daily administration of the novel glucose lowering agent, empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor which targets the kidney to block glucose reabsorption, has the potential to improve kidney disease in type 2 diabetes. In male db/db mice, a 10-week treatment with empagliflozin attenuated the diabetes-induced upregulation of profibrotic gene markers, fibronectin and transforming-growth-factor-beta. Other molecular (collagen IV and connective tissue growth factor) and histological (tubulointerstitial total collagen and glomerular collagen IV accumulation) benefits were seen upon dual therapy with metformin. Albuminuria, urinary markers of tubule damage (kidney injury molecule-1, KIM-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, NGAL), kidney growth, and glomerulosclerosis, however, were not improved with empagliflozin or metformin, and plasma and intra-renal renin activity was enhanced with empagliflozin. In this model, blood glucose lowering with empagliflozin attenuated some molecular and histological markers of fibrosis but, as per treatment with metformin, did not provide complete renoprotection. Further research to refine the treatment regimen in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy is warranted.
Sec15 links bud site selection to polarised cell growth and exocytosis in Candida albicans
Authors: Guo Pan Pan , Yong Jie Ying Au , Wang Yan Ming , Li Chang Run
Published: May 2016

The exocyst plays a crucial role in the targeting of secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane during exocytosis. It has been shown to be involved in diverse cellular processes including yeast budding. However, the mechanism of the exocyst regulating yeast budding has not been fully elucidated. Here we report a novel interaction between the exocyst component Sec15 and the Ras-family GTPase Rsr1, a master regulator of bud-site-selection system, in the fungus Candida albicans. We present several lines of evidence indicating physical and genetic interaction of Sec15 with Rsr1. In vitro binding assays and co-immunoprecipitation studies showed that Sec15 associated physically with Rsr1. Deletion of RSR1 completely abolished the polarised localisation of Sec15 as well as all the other exocyst components in both yeast and hyphal cells, suggesting a functional interaction between Sec15 and Rsr1. We also show that C. albicans Sec15 interacts directly with the polarity determinant Bem1 and the type V myosin, Myo2. Disruption of the interaction by shutting off SEC15 results in mislocaliztion of Bem1-GFP. These findings highlight the important role of Sec15 in polarised cell growth by providing a direct functional link between bud-site-selection and exocytosis.
Automated Axon Counting in Rodent Optic Nerve Sections with AxonJ
Authors: Zarei Kasra , Scheetz Todd E. , Christopher Mark , Miller Kathy , Hedberg-Buenz Adam , Tandon Anamika , Anderson Michael G. , Fingert John H. , Abràmoff Michael David
Published: May 2016

We have developed a publicly available tool, AxonJ, which quantifies the axons in optic nerve sections of rodents stained with paraphenylenediamine (PPD). In this study, we compare AxonJ’s performance to human experts on 100x and 40x images of optic nerve sections obtained from multiple strains of mice, including mice with defects relevant to glaucoma. AxonJ produced reliable axon counts with high sensitivity of 0.959 and high precision of 0.907, high repeatability of 0.95 when compared to a gold-standard of manual assessments and high correlation of 0.882 to the glaucoma damage staging of a previously published dataset. AxonJ allows analyses that are quantitative, consistent, fully-automated, parameter-free, and rapid on whole optic nerve sections at 40x. As a freely available ImageJ plugin that requires no highly specialized equipment to utilize, AxonJ represents a powerful new community resource augmenting studies of the optic nerve using mice.
Terminator Operon Reporter: combining a transcription termination switch with reporter technology for improved gene synthesis and synthetic biology applications
Authors: Zampini Massimiliano , Mur Luis A. J. , Rees Stevens Pauline , Pachebat Justin A. , Newbold C. James , Hayes Finbarr , Kingston-Smith Alison
Published: May 2016

Synthetic biology is characterized by the development of novel and powerful DNA fabrication methods and by the application of engineering principles to biology. The current study describes Terminator Operon Reporter (TOR), a new gene assembly technology based on the conditional activation of a reporter gene in response to sequence errors occurring at the assembly stage of the synthetic element. These errors are monitored by a transcription terminator that is placed between the synthetic gene and reporter gene. Switching of this terminator between active and inactive states dictates the transcription status of the downstream reporter gene to provide a rapid and facile readout of the accuracy of synthetic assembly. Designed specifically and uniquely for the synthesis of protein coding genes in bacteria, TOR allows the rapid and cost-effective fabrication of synthetic constructs by employing oligonucleotides at the most basic purification level (desalted) and without the need for costly and time-consuming post-synthesis correction methods. Thus, TOR streamlines gene assembly approaches, which are central to the future development of synthetic biology.
Effect of short-term room temperature storage on the microbial community in infant fecal samples
Authors: Guo Yong , Li Sheng-Hui , Kuang Ya-Shu , He Jian-Rong , Lu Jin-Hua , Luo Bei-Jun , Jiang Feng-Ju , Liu Yao-Zhong , Papasian Christopher J. , Xia Hui-Min , Deng Hong-Wen , Qiu Xiu
Published: May 2016

Sample storage conditions are important for unbiased analysis of microbial communities in metagenomic studies. Specifically, for infant gut microbiota studies, stool specimens are often exposed to room temperature (RT) conditions prior to analysis. This could lead to variations in structural and quantitative assessment of bacterial communities. To estimate such effects of RT storage, we collected feces from 29 healthy infants (0–3 months) and partitioned each sample into 5 portions to be stored for different lengths of time at RT before freezing at −80 °C. Alpha diversity did not differ between samples with storage time from 0 to 2 hours. The UniFrac distances and microbial composition analysis showed significant differences by testing among individuals, but not by testing between different time points at RT. Changes in the relative abundance of some specific (less common, minor) taxa were still found during storage at room temperature. Our results support previous studies in children and adults and provided useful information for accurate characterization of infant gut microbiomes. In particular, our study furnished a solid foundation and justification for using fecal samples exposed to RT for less than 2 hours for comparative analyses between various medical conditions.
Complementary Characteristics of Correlation Patterns in Morphometric Correlation Networks of Cortical Thickness, Surface Area, and Gray Matter Volume
Authors: Yang Jin-Ju , Kwon Hunki , Lee Jong-Min
Published: May 2016

Morphometric correlation networks of cortical thickness, surface area, and gray matter volume have statistically different structural topology. However, there is no report directly describing their correlation patterns in view of interregional covariance. Here, we examined the characteristics of the correlation patterns in three morphometric networks of cortical thickness, surface area, and gray matter volume using a Venn diagram concept across 314 normal subjects. We found that over 60% of all nonoverlapping correlation patterns emerged with divergent unique patterns, while there were 10% of all common edges in ipsilateral and homotopic regions among the three morphometric correlation networks. It was also found that the network parameters of the three networks were different. Our findings showed that correlation patterns of the network itself can provide complementary information when compared with network properties. We demonstrate that morphometric correlation networks of distinct structural phenotypes have different correlation patterns and different network properties. This finding implies that the topology of each morphometric correlation network may reflect different aspects of each morphometric descriptor.
Controlled Release of Collagen-Binding SDF-1α Improves Cardiac Function after Myocardial Infarction by Recruiting Endogenous Stem Cells
Authors: Sun Jie , Zhao Yannan , Li Qingguo , Chen Bing , Hou Xianglin , Xiao Zhifeng , Dai Jianwu
Published: May 2016

Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) is a well-characterized chemokine that mobilizes stem cells homing to the ischemic heart, which is beneficial for cardiac regeneration. However, clinically administered native SDF-1α diffuses quickly, thus decreasing its local concentration and results in side effects. Thus, a controlled release system for SDF-1α is required to produce an effective local concentration in the ischemic heart. In this study, we developed a recombinant chemokine, consisting of SDF-1α and a collagen-binding domain, which retains both the SDF-1α and collagen-binding activity (CBD-SDF-1α). In an in vitro assay, CBD-SDF-1α could specifically bind to a collagen gel and achieve sustained release. An intramyocardial injection of CBD-SDF-1α after acute myocardial infarction demonstrated that the protein was largely tethered in the ischemic area and that controlled release had been achieved. Furthermore, CBD-SDF-1α enhanced the recruitment of c-kit positive (c-kit+) stem cells, increased capillary density and improved cardiac function, whereas NAT-SDF-1α had no such beneficial effects. Our findings demonstrate that CBD-SDF-1α can specifically bind to collagen and achieve controlled release both in vitro and in vivo. Local delivery of this protein could mobilize endogenous stem cells homing to the ischemic heart and improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction.
Optimization of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to modify abiotic stress responses in plants
Authors: Osakabe Yuriko , Watanabe Takahito , Sugano Shigeo S , Ueta Risa , Ishihara Ryosuke , Shinozaki Kazuo , Osakabe Keishi
Published: May 2016

Genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used to modify plant genomes, however, improvements in specificity and applicability are still needed in order for the editing technique to be useful in various plant species. Here, using genome editing mediated by a truncated gRNA (tru-gRNA)/Cas9 combination, we generated new alleles forOST2, a proton pump in Arabidopsis, with no off-target effects. By following expression of Cas9 and the tru-gRNAs, newly generated mutations in CRIPSR/Cas9 transgenic plants were detected with high average mutation rates of up to 32.8% and no off-target effects using constitutive promoter. Reducing nuclear localization signals in Cas9 decreased the mutation rate. In contrast, tru-gRNA Cas9 cassettes driven by meristematic- and reproductive-tissue-specific promoters increased the heritable mutation rate in Arabidopsis, showing that high expression in the germ line can produce bi-allelic mutations. Finally, the new mutant alleles obtained forOST2exhibited altered stomatal closing in response to environmental conditions. These results suggest further applications in molecular breeding to improve plant function using optimized plant CRISPR/Cas9 systems.
Allele-specific expression of mutated in colorectal cancer (MCC) gene and alternative susceptibility to colorectal cancer in schizophrenia
Authors: Wang Yang , Cao Yanfei , Huang Xiaoye , Yu Tao , Wei Zhiyun , McGrath John , Xu Fei , Bi Yan , Li Xingwang , Yang Fengping , Li Weidong , Zou Xia , Peng Zhihai , Xiao Yanzeng , Zhang Yan , He Lin , He Guang
Published: May 2016

Evidence has indicated that the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) among schizophrenia is lower than normal. To explore this potential protective effect, we employed an innovative strategy combining association study with allele-specific expression (ASE) analysis in MCC gene. We first genotyped four polymorphisms within MCC in 312 CRC patients, 270 schizophrenia patients and 270 controls. Using the MassArray technique, we performed ASE measurements in a second sample series consisting of 50 sporadic CRC patients, 50 schizophrenia patients and 52 controls. Rs2227947 showed significant differences between schizophrenia cases and controls, and haplotype analysis reported some significant discrepancies among these three subject groups. ASE values of rs2227948 and rs2227947 presented consistently differences between CRC (or schizophrenia) patients and controls. Of the three groups, highest frequencies of ASE in MCC were concordantly found in CRC group, whereas lowest frequencies of ASE were observed in schizophrenia group. Similar trends were confirmed in both haplotype frequencies and ASE frequencies (i.e. CRC > control > schizophrenia). We provide a first indication that MCC might confer alterative genetic susceptibility to CRC in individuals with schizophrenia promising to shed more light on the relationship between schizophrenia and cancer progression.
Minimal number of runs and the sequential scheme for local discrimination between special unitary operations
Authors: Cao Tian-Qing , Yang Ying-Hui , Zhang Zhi-Chao , Tian Guo-Jing , Gao Fei , Wen Qiao-Yan
Published: May 2016

It has been shown that any two different multipartite unitary operations are perfectly distinguishable by local operations and classical communication with a finite number of runs. Meanwhile, two open questions were left. One is how to determine the minimal number of runs needed for the local discrimination and the other is whether a perfect local discrimination can be achieved by merely a sequential scheme. In this paper, we answer the two questions for some unitary operations U1 and U2 with "Equation missing" locally unitary equivalent to a diagonal unitary matrix in a product basis. Specifically, we give the minimal number of runs needed for the local discrimination, which is the same with that needed for the global discrimination. In this sense, the local operation works the same with the global one. Moreover, when adding the local property to U1 or U2, we present that the perfect local discrimination can be also realized by merely a sequential scheme with the minimal number of runs. Both results contribute to saving the resources used for the discrimination.
Understanding the dimorphic lifestyles of human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori using the SWATH-based proteomics approach
Authors: Loke Mun Fai , Ng Chow Goon , Vilashni Yeespana , Lim Justin , Ho Bow
Published: May 2016

Helicobacter pylori may reside in the human stomach as two morphological forms: the culturable spiral form and the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) coccoid form. This bacterium transforms from spiral to coccoid under in vitro suboptimal conditions. However, both spiral and coccoid have demonstrated its infectivity in laboratory animals, suggesting that coccoid may potentially be involved in the transmission of H. pylori. To determine the relevance of the coccoid form in viability and infectivity, we compared the protein profiles of H. pylori coccoids obtained from prolonged (3-month-old) culture with that of 3-day-old spirals of two H. pylori standard strains using SWATH (Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical mass spectra)-based approach. The protein profiles reveal that the coccoids retained basal level of metabolic proteins and also high level of proteins that participate in DNA replication, cell division and biosynthesis demonstrating that coccoids are viable. Most interestingly, these data also indicate that the H. pylori coccoids possess higher level of proteins that are involved in virulence and carcinogenesis than their spiral counterparts. Taken together, these findings have important implications in the understanding on the pathogenesis of H. pylori-induced gastroduodenal diseases, as well as the probable transmission mode of this bacterium.
Differentiation of preadipocytes and mature adipocytes requires PSMB8
Authors: Arimochi Hideki , Sasaki Yuki , Kitamura Akiko , Yasutomo Koji
Published: May 2016

The differentiation of adipocytes is tightly regulated by a variety of intrinsic molecules and also by extrinsic molecules produced by adjacent cells. Dysfunction of adipocyte differentiation causes lipodystrophy, which impairs glucose and lipid homeostasis. Although dysfunction of immunoproteasomes causes partial lipodystrophy, the detailed molecular mechanisms remain to be determined. Here, we demonstrate that Psmb8, a catalytic subunit for immunoproteasomes, directly regulates the differentiation of preadipocytes and additionally the differentiation of preadipocytes to mature adipocytes. Psmb8−/− mice exhibited slower weight gain than wild-type mice and this was accompanied by reduced adipose tissue volume and smaller size of mature adipocytes compared with controls. Blockade of Psmb8 activity in 3T3-L1 cells disturbed the differentiation to mature adipocytes. Psmb8−/− mice had fewer preadipocyte precursors, fewer preadipocytes and a reduced ability to differentiate preadipocytes toward mature adipocytes. Our data demonstrate that Psmb8-mediated immunoproteasome activity is a direct regulator of the differentiation of preadipocytes and their ultimate maturation.
Environmental Fate of Chiral Herbicide Fenoxaprop-ethyl in Water-Sediment Microcosms
Authors: Jing Xu , Yao Guojun , Liu Donghui , Liu Mingke , Wang Peng , Zhou Zhiqiang
Published: May 2016

The environmental fate of the herbicide fenoxaprop-ethyl (FE) in water, sediment and water-sediment microcosm was studied and degradation products fenoxaprop (FA), ethyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)propanoate (EHPP), 2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)propanoic acid (HPPA) and 6-chloro-2,3-dihydrobenzoxazol-2-one (CDHB) were monitored. FE, FA, EHPP and HPPA were chiral and the environmental behavior was investigated on an enantiomeric level. In water, sediment and water-sediment microcosms, fenoxaprop-ethyl degraded very fast with half-lives less than 1 day and it was found the herbicidally inactive S-enantiomer degraded faster. Fenoxaprop was the main primary degradation product which was quickly formed and the further degradation was relatively slow with half-lives of 6.4–12.4 days, and the S-enantiomer degraded faster too. EHPP, HPPA and CDHB could be found and S-EHPP and S-HPPA were degraded preferentially. The effects of microorganism and water content were investigated and it was found that the enantioselectivity was attributed to microorganisms. In sediment, the main degradation pathway of fenoxaprop-ethyl was hydrolysis and the degradation rate of fenoxaprop-ethyl increased with water content. The degradation products and enantioselectivity should be considered for the impact of fenoxaprop-ethyl on the aquatic system.
A neuroendocrine role for chemerin in hypothalamic remodelling and photoperiodic control of energy balance
Authors: Helfer Gisela , Ross Alexander W. , Thomson Lynn M. , Mayer Claus D. , Stoney Patrick N. , McCaffery Peter J. , Morgan Peter J.
Published: May 2016

Long-term and reversible changes in body weight are typical of seasonal animals. Thyroid hormone (TH) and retinoic acid (RA) within the tanycytes and ependymal cells of the hypothalamus have been implicated in the photoperiodic response. We investigated signalling downstream of RA and how this links to the control of body weight and food intake in photoperiodic F344 rats. Chemerin, an inflammatory chemokine, with a known role in energy metabolism, was identified as a target of RA. Gene expression of chemerin (Rarres2) and its receptors were localised within the tanycytes and ependymal cells, with higher expression under long (LD) versus short (SD) photoperiod, pointing to a physiological role. The SD to LD transition (increased food intake) was mimicked by 2 weeks of ICV infusion of chemerin into rats. Chemerin also increased expression of the cytoskeletal protein vimentin, implicating hypothalamic remodelling in this response. By contrast, acute ICV bolus injection of chemerin on a 12 h:12 h photoperiod inhibited food intake and decreased body weight with associated changes in hypothalamic neuropeptides involved in growth and feeding after 24 hr. We describe the hypothalamic ventricular zone as a key site of neuroendocrine regulation, where the inflammatory signal, chemerin, links TH and RA signaling to hypothalamic remodeling.
Cannabis and tolerance: acute drug impairment as a function of cannabis use history
Authors: Ramaekers J. G. , van Wel J. H. , Spronk D. B. , Toennes S. W. , Kuypers K. P. C. , Theunissen E. L. , Verkes R. J.
Published: May 2016

Cannabis use history as predictor of neurocognitive response to cannabis intoxication remains subject to scientific and policy debates. The present study assessed the influence of cannabis on neurocognition in cannabis users whose cannabis use history ranged from infrequent to daily use. Drug users (N = 122) received acute doses of cannabis (300 μg/kg THC), cocaine HCl (300 mg) and placebo. Cocaine served as active control for demonstrating neurocognitive test sensitivity. Executive function, impulse control, attention, psychomotor function and subjective intoxication were significantly worse after cannabis administration relative to placebo. Cocaine improved psychomotor function and attention, impaired impulse control and increased feelings of intoxication. Acute effects of cannabis and cocaine on neurocognitive performance were similar across cannabis users irrespective of their cannabis use history. Absence of tolerance implies that that frequent cannabis use and intoxication can be expected to interfere with neurocognitive performance in many daily environments such as school, work or traffic.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Exerts the Neuroprotective Effects in Obese-Insulin Resistant Rats, Leading to the Improvement of Cognitive Function
Authors: Chunchai Titikorn , Samniang Bencharunan , Sripetchwandee Jirapas , Pintana Hiranya , Pongkan Wanpitak , Kumfu Sirinart , Shinlapawittayatorn Krekwit , KenKnight Bruce H , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C.
Published: May 2016

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy was shown to improve peripheral insulin sensitivity. However, the effects of chronic VNS therapy on brain insulin sensitivity, dendritic spine density, brain mitochondrial function, apoptosis and cognition in obese-insulin resistant subjects have never been investigated. Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were fed with either a normal diet (n = 8) or a HFD (n = 16) for 12 weeks. At week 13, HFD-fed rats were divided into 2 groups (n = 8/group). Each group was received either sham therapy or VNS therapy for an additional 12 weeks. At the end of treatment, cognitive function, metabolic parameters, brain insulin sensitivity, brain mitochondrial function, brain apoptosis and dendritic spines were determined in each rat. The HFD-fed with Sham therapy developed brain insulin resistance, brain oxidative stress, brain inflammation and brain apoptosis, resulting in the cognitive decline. The VNS group showed an improvement in peripheral and brain insulin sensitivity. VNS treatment attenuated brain mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis. In addition, VNS therapy increased dendritic spine density and improved cognitive function. These findings suggest that VNS attenuates cognitive decline in obese-insulin resistant rats by attenuating brain mitochondrial dysfunction, improving brain insulin sensitivity, decreasing cell apoptosis and increasing dendritic spine density.
Highly specific targeted mutagenesis in plants using Staphylococcus aureus Cas9
Authors: Kaya Hidetaka , Mikami Masafumi , Endo Akira , Endo Masaki , Toki Seiichi
Published: May 2016

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is an efficient and convenient tool for genome editing in plants. Cas9 nuclease derived from Streptococcus pyogenes (Sp) is commonly used in this system. Recently, Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9)-mediated genome editing was reported in human cells and Arabidopsis. Because SaCas9 (1053 a.a.) is smaller than SpCas9 (1368 a.a.), SaCas9 could have substantial advantages for delivering and expressing Cas9 protein, especially using virus vectors. Since the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence of SaCas9 (5′-NNGRRT-3′) differs from that of SpCas9 (5′-NGG-3′), the use of this alternative Cas9 nuclease could expand the selectivity at potential cleavage target sites of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Here we show that SaCas9 can mutagenize target sequences in tobacco and rice with efficiencies similar to those of SpCas9. We also analyzed the base preference for ‘T’ at the 6th position of the SaCas9 PAM. Targeted mutagenesis efficiencies in target sequences with non-canonical PAMs (5′-NNGRRV-3′) were much lower than those with a canonical PAM (5′-NNGRRT-3′). The length of target sequence recognized by SaCas9 is one or two nucleotides longer than that recognized by SpCas9. Taken together, our results demonstrate that SaCas9 has higher sequence recognition capacity than SpCas9 and is useful for reducing off-target mutations in crop.
Transverse-electric plasmonic modes of cylindrical graphene-based waveguide at near-infrared and visible frequencies
Authors: Kuzmin Dmitry A. , Bychkov Igor V. , Shavrov Vladimir G. , Kotov Leonid N.
Published: May 2016

Transverse-electric (TE) surface plasmons (SPs) are very unusual for plasmonics phenomenon. Graphene proposes a unique possibility to observe these plasmons. Due to transverse motion of carriers, TE SPs speed is usually close to bulk light one. In this work we discuss conditions of TE SPs propagation in cylindrical graphene-based waveguides. We found that the negativity of graphene conductivity’s imaginary part is not a sufficient condition. The structure supports TE SPs when the core radius of waveguide is larger than the critical value Rcr. Critical radius depends on the light frequency and the difference of permittivities inside and outside the waveguide. Minimum value of Rcr is comparable with the wavelength of volume wave and corresponds to interband carriers transition in graphene. We predict that use of multilayer graphene will lead to decrease of critical radius. TE SPs speed may differ more significantly from bulk light one in case of epsilon-near-zero core and shell of the waveguide. Results may open the door for practical applications of TE SPs in optics, including telecommunications.
Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome is associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Population-based Study
Authors: Liao Chun-Hou , Lin Herng-Ching , Huang Chao-Yuan
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to examine this association by comparing the risk of prior irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) between patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and matched controls in Taiwan. Data were retrieved from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005. This study included 4870 cases with CP/CPPS and 4870 age-matched controls. Conditional logistic regressions were conducted to examine associations of CP/CPPS with previously diagnosed IBS. We found that a total of 753 (7.7%) of the 9740 sampled patients had IBS prior to the index date; IBS was found in 497 (10.2%) cases and in 256 (5.3%) controls. Conditional logistic regression revealed a higher odds ratio (OR) of prior IBS (OR 2.05, 95% CI = 1.75–2.40) for cases than controls. Furthermore, after adjusting for the patients’ monthly income, geographical location, urbanization level and hypertension and coronary heart disease, the conditional logistic regression analysis indicated that cases were more likely than controls to have prior IBS (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.67–2.29). Furthermore, we found that CP/CPPS was consistently and significantly associated with prior IBS regardless of age group. We concluded that the diagnosis of CP/CPPS was associated with previously diagnosed IBS. Urologists should be aware of the association between CP/CPPS and IBS when treating patients.
Estimation of the lag time in a subsequent monomer addition model for fibril elongation
Authors: Shoffner Suzanne K. , Schnell Santiago
Published: May 2016

The lag time for dock–lock fibril elongation can be estimated from kinetic parameters.
Application of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics for the discrimination of furnace oil, gas oil and mazut oil
Authors: Yousefinejad Saeed , Aalizadeh Leila , Honarasa Fatemeh
Published: May 2016

In this work, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was utilized for the classification of 264 fuel oil samples from three types of oil (furnace oil, gas oil and mazut oil) with the aid of some chemometric methods.
Mass spectrometry based trinucleotide repeat sequence detection using target fragment assay
Authors: Zhang Ting , Lin Xiang-Cheng , Tang Hao , Yu Ru-Qin , Jiang Jian-Hui
Published: May 2016

A novel trinucleotide repeat length assay has been developed using magnetic capture and acidic degradation of target polymerase chain reaction amplicons followed by mass spectrometry detection.
2-Methylresorcinarene: a very high packing coefficient in a mono-anion based dimeric capsule and the X-ray crystal structure of the tetra-anion
Authors: Puttreddy Rakesh , Beyeh Ngong Kodiah , Kalenius Elina , Ras Robin H. A. , Rissanen Kari
Published: May 2016

Mono- and tetra-deprotonated 2-methylresorcinarene anions (1 and 2) as their trans-1,4-diammoniumcyclohexane (TDAC)2+ inclusion complexes are reported.
Two-dimensional TaC nanosheets on a reduced graphene oxide hybrid as an efficient and stable electrocatalyst for water splitting
Authors: He Chunyong , Tao Juzhou
Published: May 2016

A novel highly active and stable HER catalyst containing two-dimensional TaC nanosheets hybridized with reduced graphene oxide (2D TaC–RGO) was prepared as an efficient and stable hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst.
Spectroscopic investigation into the design of solid–acid catalysts for the low temperature dehydration of ethanol
Authors: Potter Matthew E. , Aswegen Sivan V. , Gibson Emma K. , Silverwood Ian P. , Raja Robert
Published: May 2016

Combining in situ neutron scattering and vibrational spectroscopy studies to elucidate the mechanism of ethanol dehydration in SAPO-34 catalysts.
ALD/MLD processes for Mn and Co based hybrid thin films
Authors: Ahvenniemi E. , Karppinen M.
Published: May 2016

New types of transition metal–organic hybrid thin films are fabricated with the emerging atomic/molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) technique through sequential gas-surface reactions from Mn(thd)3, Co(thd)2, Co(acac)3 and terephthalic acid (1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid) precursors.
A microfluidic flow focusing platform to screen the evolution of crude oil–brine interfacial elasticity
Authors: Morin Brendon , Liu Yafei , Alvarado Vladimir , Oakey John
Published: May 2016

Multiphase fluid flow dynamics dominate processes used to recover the majority of hydrocarbon resources produced by global energy industries.
Dynamic-field devices for the ultrasonic manipulation of microparticles
Authors: Drinkwater Bruce W.
Published: May 2016

This review compares and contrasts the functionality and application of dynamic and reconfigurable ultrasonic particle manipulation devices.
Complexity in structure-directed prebiotic chemistry. Reaction bifurcation from a β-diketone in tetrapyrrole formation
Authors: Deans Richard M. , Taniguchi Masahiko , Chandrashaker Vanampally , Ptaszek Marcin , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: May 2016

An unsymmetrical β-diketone with δ-aminolevulinic acid affords both a “defective” and a “normal” pyrrole; upon combinatorial reaction the former terminates chain-growth of the latter on the path to tetrapyrrole macrocycles.
Nanotherapy on human acute myeloid leukemia cells using RGO/Ag nanocomposites
Authors: Roy Indranil , Das Balaram , Mollick Md. Masud Rahaman , Basu Arijita , Dey Aditi , Dash Sandeep Kumar , Roy Somenath , Chattopadhyay Dipankar
Published: May 2016

Anticancer effect of GO, RGO, Ag NPs and RGO/Ag nanocomposites on human acute myeloid leukemia cell.
TiO2/nanoporous silicon hybrid contact for heterojunction crystalline solar cell
Authors: Shiraz Hamid Ghorbani , Astaraei Fatemeh Razi , Mohammadpour Raheleh
Published: May 2016

Hole barrier contact as a remedy for easy fabrication of heterojunction crystalline solar cell.
Pressure effect on the properties of magnetic moments and phase transitions in YMnO3 from first principles
Authors: Chai Jun-Shuai , Tian Hao , Mao Ai-Jie , Deng Li-Juan , Kuang Xiao-Yu
Published: May 2016

We report the properties of magnetic, electronic, phonon frequencies and magnetic phase transitions in orthorhombic perovskite YMnO3 by means of first-principles calculations.
A multi-scale porous composite adsorbent with copper benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate coating on copper foam
Authors: Wang H. , Qu Z. G. , Zhang W. , Zhang L. Q.
Published: May 2016

Cu-BTC/CF synthesized through electrochemical deposition has higher selectivity of CO2/N2 and CH4/N2 and temperature uniformity compared to Cu-BTC.
Novel folated Pluronic/poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles for targeted delivery of paclitaxel
Authors: Xiong Xiang Yuan , Tao Long , Qin Xiang , Li Zi Ling , Gong Yan Chun , Li Yu Ping , Yang Yi Jia , Liu Zhi Yong
Published: May 2016

In vivo prolonged circulation time and enhanced tumor resistant ability of targeted PTX-loaded FA–Pluronic–PLA nanoparticles.
Conjugation of biogenic and synthetic polyamines with trypsin and trypsin inhibitor
Authors: Chanphai P. , Thomas T. J. , Tajmir-Riahi H. A.
Published: May 2016

Polyamine–protein conjugates can be used as delivery tools to transport antitumor polyamine analogues.
Novel phosphorus-containing halogen-free ionic liquids: effect of sulfonate anion size on physical properties, biocompatibility, and flame retardancy
Authors: He Qiu-Xia , Tang Liang , Fu Teng , Shi Yue-Quan , Wang Xiu-Li , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: May 2016

Phosphorus-containing sulfonate ILs with different anions size present different thermal stability, solubility, viscosity, melting points, and cytotoxicity. They show flame retardant effect for PA6 via accelerating decomposition of matrix.
A copper catalyzed multicomponent cascade redox reaction for the synthesis of quinazolinones
Authors: Shinde Mahesh H. , Kshirsagar Umesh A.
Published: May 2016

A copper catalyzed multicomponent cascade redox reaction for the synthesis of various quinazolinones starting from easily available 2-bromobenzamides, benzylic alcohols and sodium azide as a nitrogen source has been developed.
Selective imaging and cancer cell death via pH switchable near-infrared fluorescence and photothermal effects
Authors: Zhang Jingye , Liu Zining , Lian Peng , Qian Jun , Li Xinwei , Wang Lu , Fu Wei , Chen Liang , Wei Xunbin , Li Cong
Published: May 2016

A theranostic probe is designed that specifically illuminates and photoablates cancer cells by sensing pH changes in the lysosomes and mitochondria.
Near diffusion-controlled reaction of a Zn(Cys)4 zinc finger with hypochlorous acid
Authors: Lebrun Vincent , Ravanat Jean-Luc , Latour Jean-Marc , Sénèque Olivier
Published: May 2016

Reaction rate constants of HOCl with zinc-bound cysteines are determined, demonstrating that zinc fingers are potent targets for HOCl and may serve as HOCl sensors.
Improving the efficiency of polymer solar cells via a treatment of methanol : water on the active layers
Authors: Guo Biao , Zhou Weilong , Wu Mengchun , Lv Junjie , Yu Chengzhuo , Li Fenghong , Hu Zhonghan
Published: May 2016

Significant improvement in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of polymer solar cells (PSCs) has been observed when the active layer was treated with a mixture of methanol and water (M : W).
Wet-process feasible candlelight OLED
Authors: Jou Jwo-Huei , Su Yu-Ting , Liu Shih-Hao , He Zhe-Kai , Sahoo Snehasis , Yu Hui-Huan , Chen Sun-Zen , Wang Ching-Wu , Lee Jia-Ren
Published: May 2016

Candlelight-based, blue-hazard free lighting sources are friendly to the human eye, physiology, museum artifacts, ecosystems, the environment, and the night sky.
Inhibiting miR-21 attenuates experimental hepatic fibrosis by suppressing both the ERK1 pathway in HSC and hepatocyte EMT
Authors: Wu Kaiming , Ye Changhong , Lin Lin , Chu Yimin , Ji Meng , Dai Weiping , Zeng Xin , Lin Yong
Published: May 2016

MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) has emerged as a critical regulatory molecule and an important serum marker in hepatic fibrogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of inhibiting miR-21 on hepatic fibrosis treatment. Serum miR-21 levels in 60 healthy individuals and 180 patients with different stages of liver cirrhosis were examined, miR-21 levels in normal or cirrhotic human liver tissues (n=10 each) were also detected. An adenoviral vector (Ad-TuD-21) carrying the sponging ToughDecoy (TuD)-RNA sequence against miR-21 was constructed to reduce miR-21 expression efficiently in vitro and in vivo. Histological and immunohistological examinations were performed to evaluate the inhibitory effects and mechanism of Ad-TuD-21 delivery into carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic fibrosis rats by targeting extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) signalling in hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and hepatocyte epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our results revealed that enhanced miR-21 levels in cirrhotic patients were related to the severity and activity of liver cirrhosis. Ad-TuD-21 administered to liver fibrosis rats could remarkably suppress profibrotic gene expression, cause histological improvements in liver and attenuate hepatic fibrosis significantly. More importantly, after Ad-TuD-21 treatment, inhibition of both the ERK1 signalling pathway in HSC and hepatocyte EMT was confirmed, which paralleled the enhancement of miR-21 target genes–sprouty2 (SPRY2) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)–expression in vivo. These data demonstrated that miR-21 is a key regulator to promote hepatic fibrogenesis, and sponging miR-21 expression may present a novel potentially therapeutic option for hepatic fibrosis.
Decentralised conic optimisation of reactive power considering uncertainty of renewable energy sources
Authors: Li Jing , Xin Huanhai , Wei Wei , Dai Wenzhan
Published: May 2016

This study proposes a decentralised reactive power optimisation of capacitors in distribution system with uncertain renewable energy sources (RES). The optimisation problem is modelled as minimising the active power loss and installed capacitors costs, subject to power flow constraints and other operation conditions. In view of the non‐linear power flow equality constraints with uncertain power of the RES, the optimisation problem is hard to be solved efficiently due to the non‐linear and stochastic issues. To this end, the discrete probability model of RES has been utilised to build the multi‐scenario deterministic formulation of the stochastic problem, which further changes to a mixed integer conic optimisation (CO) model by relaxing the non‐linear power flow equations. Besides, in keeping with the growing complexity of modern distribution system, a decentralised CO algorithm for large‐scale problem is developed to separate the problem into smaller subproblems. The sufficient conditions which guarantee the exactness of the conic relaxed power flow equalities in subproblems are discussed as well. Simulations verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.